A large crowd filled the Uniting Church in Swan St, North Hobart, in tribute to Betty Venus and thanksgiving for her fine qualities.
Known to many in Hobart for her 26 years as a kindergarten teacher at The Friends' School, in later life Betty's far-reaching influence encompassed the Order of St Luke, World Vision, the Bible Society, a variety of Methodist then Uniting Church activities and many other philanthropic organisations.
She travelled extensively and had a network of friends world-wide.
Daughter of Eleanor Edith Hawson and Hedley Gordon Venus, she never knew her father who was killed during World War I only days before her birth, perhaps accounting for her exceptional empathy with small children.
Her teaching reference said: "She gets active co-operation from her students without difficulty. Her charm of manner and brightness are most commendable . . . She is a girl of high character, is conscientious and keen and will make an excellent teacher.''
When she retired in 1978, the yearbook noted "she is held in affection and respect second to none''.
All these qualities were very evident throughout her life.
Betty died the day after her 83rd birthday which she celebrated with friends.
She will be sorely missed by many in Hobart and beyond.
'Venus, Eleanor Elizabeth (Betty) (1916–1999)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/venus-eleanor-elizabeth-betty-31833/text39296, accessed 10 May 2025.
9 July,
1916
Hobart,
Tasmania,
Australia
11 July,
1999
(aged 83)
Hobart,
Tasmania,
Australia
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.