Rose Harrison z'l

Rose Harrison (nee Breckler) was born in Perth, a member of a family widely known for its communal and charitable involvement. After her marriage Rose came to live in Melbourne in 1943 where she soon joined WIZO Darom.

Rose was active at every level of WIZO. She was President of WIZO Darom for 11 years, Vice President and Honorary Secretary of WIZO Victoria and Convenor of the WIZO Review for the Australian Federation of WIZO. The WIZO Review was her special project for more than 20 years. Rose was made an Honorary Life Member of the Australian WIZO Federation.

As part of her commitment she travelled to Israel so that she could see WIZO’s work first hand.

Rose sponsored her grandchildren Darren and Sharon in the WIZO Child of the Year competition in 1975 and 1978 respectively.

She was also actively involved in other communal organisations including the UIA, JNF, the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies (which later became the JCCV), and was on the board at Toorak Shule for five years when she stepped aside to allow her son Russell to carry on that tradition for the next 22 years.

Working for Jewish charities was her passion. Beth Weizmann in St Kilda Road was her second home and she continued until, due to illness, she could not be actively involved. Even then she continued to take great interest in communal affairs, particularly in WIZO activities.

With sheer determination to be with her family for one last Yom Tov, Rose took leave from Cabrini hospital to spend 1st night Seder at Hedy and Russell’s home surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren. She passed away peacefully on 2nd day Pesach, 31st March, 2010.