Obituaries Australia

The sudden death of Gloria Laird at age 70 will sadden the many people who knew and worked with her in North Queensland and in Sydney during her long membership of the Communist Party.

She first became interested in the working class movement at the University of Queensland, joining the CPA early in the Second World War.

Returning to North Queensland, she threw herself into party activity and was one of the many women communists who played vital roles during the war. She was the first woman reporter on the party's paper North Queensland Guardian, working closely with Fred Paterson and the two other communist Townsville City Councillors. Despite the difficulties of having a young family, she worked fulltime on the paper and engaged in many other public activities.

Gloria broadcast over Townsville radio in the party's regular session "Voice of the People". She was a fine public speaker and capable organiser who carried the CPA banner in a state election and a Senate campaign.

During the Cold War, Gloria stood firm, speaking at many public meetings, friendly and hostile, on the vital issues of peace or war, the anti-communist referendum, and other political issues.

Coming to Sydney in the mid-50s, Gloria became a teacher and then full-time research officer for the Teachers Federation, making a valuable contribution to the union's work.

Retiring early from this position because of ill-health, Gloria fought a long battle against rheumatoid arthritis which confined her to a wheelchair for the last ten years of her life. Despite constant pain and incapacity, she retained a lively interest in people and politics, following events closely and helping others with advice and encouragement.

Gloria's courage, serenity and ability to transcend suffering inspired her comrades and friends who will join Tribune in expressing warm sympathy to her husband Albert, daughter Pippa, sons Gerry and Klim, her grandchildren and others of her family.