Jo’s husband Noel Burgess passed away on 11th March 2024. They had 4 children and 5 grandchildren and were married for 46 years.
Noel served in the Royal Australian Navy for 44 years. He joined up as a Naval Apprentice Carpenter (“Chippy”) at the tender Age of 15 years. Jo recalls how unfortunately he was not a very good “Chippy”, so he rejoined the Navy as a general recruit aged 17 years. He went on to become Chief Petty Officer (Meteorological branch.)
Eventually he was sent to the United Kingdom to become an “officer and a gentleman.” It was later in his return that Jo met him as a lieutenant when he was on leave in Sydney. She was also in Sydney from Brisbane, staying with a friend who was also in the Navy. Her friend became sick and was taken to the Naval Hospital at HMAS Penguin. Noel rang up to ask Jo out to dinner, and the rest, as they say, was history!
They married a year later in Brisbane with a traditional Naval wedding with crossed swords etc.
Noel in his Naval career served in the Malayan Conflict, Borneo, and Vietnam. He also served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve in the first Gulf War in Naval Control of Merchant Shipping. Jo was able to care for their 4 children during his deployments, staying strong for their family in tough times.
Noel retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. He was 82 years old when he passed away.
Jo joined her local War Widows after another Navy wife and widow told her about the benefits. She met a welcoming group of ladies who all had their own stories; but were generous as they shared their support. Jo believes there is such a generational bonding and understanding through common grief.
