To honour her remarkable century, our family made a pilgrimage to her birthplace — a historic homestead nestled in the serene hills outside Toowoomba. It was here, among the golden paddocks and whispering gums of the Darling Downs, that we gathered to celebrate Essie and the deep family bonds that have always been at the heart of Tree of Life.
The setting was picture-perfect — soft country light, wide skies, and the scent of fresh grass in the breeze. A place of stories and stillness, where time seemed to slow, inviting memories to rise.
Essie believes in dressing up and feeling fabulous at every age. She was radiant in her favourite shade of blue, wearing a lovingly made handblock-inspired dress, crafted with care in the traditions we've long cherished. She wore pearl jewellery handmade by our much missed friend, artist and muse Wendie Whittaker — a gentle tribute to creativity, friendship, and timeless beauty.
As the sun dipped low and the air turned crisp, we wandered through the homestead grounds, wrapped in shared stories and laughter. Friends and family recalled moments from across the decades — tales of love, strength, and resilience.
Essie's secret to a long life? A tipple of rum every evening — no fuss, just a smile and a little ritual to end the day. We’ll raise a glass to that.
