Written by Julia Werren
Eilis as a young girl
In one of my last conversations with Eilis I remember her telling me a joke: ‘What do you call the day after two days of rain.’ After scratching my head trying to think of a scientific name to describe this phenomenon Eilis answered with ‘Monday.’
This was the thing I liked most about Eilis- even though she was incredibly intelligent and accomplished, she was very down to earth, full of fun, kind and generous.
Eilis started her career as a school teacher. She was born in Canada and later moved to Australia to take up a role as a high school teacher in Goulburn. When she travelled from Canada to Australia she decided to take the most scenic route and travel by boat. When she arrived in Sydney she was accommodated in the then ‘less than elegant’ Kings Cross. Soon after she was asked where she wanted to teach and she quickly noted ‘the country.’ She settled in Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands of NSW.
When she arrived at her new school she was surprised to find out she would be teaching maths. The only problem was Eilis knew nothing about maths. This didn’t stop her though- she studied and learnt the curriculum. The feedback from many of the students was ‘she was the best teacher ever!’ Eilis’ popularity as a teacher was later transported to the university setting. Eilis clearly loved and respected her students and she always tried to do her absolute best by them.
Eilis at Associate Professor Amanda Kennedy’s Graduation
Ever since Eilis was a young girl she had wanted to study law. In Canada students were only able to study law after completing another degree. This was the reason she did not study law straight after her schooling. After a period of teaching in Goulburn, Eilis decided to enrol in a law degree at the Australian National University (ANU). After completing her law degree and further postgraduate study at the University of New South Wales and Toronto University, Eilis decided to move to Armidale to take up the role of Foundation Professor at the University of New England in 1996.
Eilis at her LLM Graduation
Eilis with UNE School of Law staff at the 2010 Law Ball
During her time at UNE Eilis undertook a considerable number of management and leadership roles. She served as the Head of Law, UNE’s Senior Ombudsman and as the Deputy Chair and then Chair of the Academic Board. Even though many people (including me) would find the meetings associated with these leadership roles tedious, Eilis clearly loved the process and form of meetings.
Even though Eilis was one of the most generous and warm hearted people I have known in my life, she could also be a formidable opponent if she thought there was some injustice or wrong doing. She would always tell you what she really thought, even if you did not want to hear it. I remember sitting in Academic Board meetings where academics and members of senior management were clearly scared of upsetting Eilis. In fact a previous Vice Chancellor noted ‘Don’t annoy Eilis- she will let you know and make sure everyone can hear her!’
Eilis and Don at Mary White College
Her colleagues did see a much softer side of Eilis when it came to her husband Don. Eilis’ nickname for Don was ‘Love.’ This nickname became known by other members of the Academic Board. When Don would ring to talk to Eilis her colleagues would call out ‘it is Love on the phone.’When Eilis was not working she enjoyed playing Bridge. She was General Counsel to the Australian Bridge Federation during the last 16 years of her life. Eilis also liked getting her nails done. This interest started when Don bought Eilis a gift voucher from one of the Armidale nail salons. Don noted ‘as soon as I did this, getting her nails done became a right not a gift.’ Eilis and Don disagreed on what colours should be featured on her nails. Like all good marriages the pair compromised and Don could choose Eilis’ nail colour on every third visit. Light pink became known by the nail technicians as ‘Donny’s colour!’
Eilis died in Singapore on the 14th July 2014. She was on her way home to Australia after attending a family wedding in Corsica. Luckily whilst overseas, Eilis and Don had spent time with many members of their family.
Eilis and Don in Corsica
Eilis’ funeral service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Armidale was overflowing with people who loved and respected her. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 people attended her funeral.
Eilis is very fondly remembered by members of the UNE School of Law and the general community!
Eilis started as a client of mine and soon became a friend with whom I had amazing and interesting discussions about multitudes of diverse topics. She was so amazingly intelligent and down to earth. When Don rang to tell me of her death I was so upset. I felt extremely privileged to have known her and miss our talk s.
I am Eilis’s sister. It made me very proud to read this wonderful account of her life and career. Thanks Julia!
well said
For some reason I was thinking of Eilis tonight and Googled her, only to be saddened to learn of her death in 2014. She taught me Evidence at the University of Sydney. She was the most effective teacher, explaining the leading cases better than any other lecturer. In fact, I adopted her style of teaching when I later lectured in law at the University of Melbourne. But most of all I remember Eilis’ kindness and warmth. She was by far the most approachable and likeable of lecturers. Vale Eilis.
Sadly and sorely missed.