Yvonne (Vonnie) Coopersmith JP Z'I

Yvonne (Vonnie) Coopersmith born Melbourne 1921 and was talented and creative from an early age. Vonnie performed in 1931 aged 13 in a popular children's radio show aired weekly on 3LO and by 1934 presented a weekly show on 3DB designed for children by children dealing with issues of the times. She always had a commitment to communal issues, and joined WIZO Yarden when she moved with her family from Ringwood to Balwyn. Vonnie was a creative writer, producer and director and used her talents for shows in later years for WIZO revues, particularly for New Member's Nights and Child of the Year Crowning events. She also was a tireless worker and believed in marketing and creating a well designed message, well designed logo to promote WIZO to a younger audience.

Vonnie designed the first WIZO gram which was extremely well received by the members.

Vonnie held the position of State Education and Organization Chairman, as well as being a Member of the Federal Executive.

At the height of the Government refusals of Jews to leave Russia she headed a WIZO delegation to Canberra to present to the Russian Embassy a demand for release of Refusniks, signed by the Jewish community. She was famously quoted when the Russian secretary refused to actually take the document said " is the Ambassador afraid of a grandmother?"

Vonnie's aunt was Julia Rapke z'| who was a founding National President. They shared many common goals.

WIZO to Vonnie was a way of life which she and her family embraced and supported. She came from an era where caring for Israel was not a just a social obligation but a real need to be aware of a new country struggling to support the women and children through difficult and challenging times. Her daughter Susan Fajnkind was a foundation member of WIZO Ziona and was on the WIZO State Council of Victoria Executive.

Vonnie was also appointed a JP (Justice of the Peace) which she took seriously and would have at short notice to preside at the police courts over a judgement.

Yvonne died 15th February 1983 aged 61.