War Widows Honour Roll
A collective tribute of the stories of love, courage, and resilience
This War Widows Honour Roll is a living tribute to the women who have carried the legacy of service with courage and strength.
Each story honours a life shaped by service and sacrifice, told through the words of family, friends, and community.
Browse the tributes below to read the stories and view the photographs of war widows connected to our defence community.
Each entry reflects the lasting impact of their courage, care, and contribution.
Margaret Tanner
Margaret Tanner became a war widow at 29 after her husband Noel, a WWII serviceman passed from illness related to his service. She raised their son alone and, in 1951, joined Australian War Widows NSW, where she built lifelong friendships and found strength through the support of other widows. Margaret remained active in her community well into her 100s, building friendships, attending events, and supporting other war widows. She reflected on the challenges younger widows face, from grief to family responsibilities, and valued the connections and support provided by the Guild, recognising how vital these networks are for families affected by service.
Diana Bland
Diana Bland joined the Guild in 1993 after her husband passed, and dedicated her life to supporting other war widows. She served the Guild at both State and National levels, demonstrating leadership, compassion, and commitment. Diana established and expanded regional clubs, connecting widows across New South Wales and ensuring they felt supported and understood. Even after her official roles ended, she continued to reach out personally, making thousands of calls and sending handwritten cards. Diana believed in the power of connection, mentoring younger widows, and helping them find purpose and companionship. Her work strengthened the Guild and left a lasting legacy of care and community.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth joined the Guild after her husband Reg, a WWII Spitfire pilot, passed in 2005. She cared for him throughout their marriage and later supported other war widows, becoming coordinator of the Chatswood social club for over ten years. Elizabeth helped organise meetings and fostered connection among members. She spoke openly about the impacts of war on veterans and their families and reflected on the challenges faced by younger service members and their families. She believed more support was needed for those affected by modern conflicts, recognising the ongoing consequences of service on both veterans and their loved ones.
Lorna Callaway
Lorna Callaway was not a woman of many words, but her actions spoke volumes. She became a war widow after the death of her husband Shannon in 1980. Shannon returned from service carrying the unseen wounds of war, which left him unable to work. To provide for their seven sons, Lorna took a job at the local hospital as a laundry maid, where she worked for more than fifty years. She raised her children with love, discipline, and resilience, instilling values that shaped their lives. Lorna’s story reflects the lasting impact of war on families, showing how widows bore heavy burdens with strength and ensured their families endured despite hardship.
Audrey Blood OAM
Audrey Blood OAM joined the Guild in 1986 and began volunteering in 1989, dedicating 30 years to supporting war widows, bereaved parents, and families affected by illness. She served as State and National President, demonstrating leadership, compassion, and care. Audrey was known for making every widow feel welcome and encouraging the best in them, setting the tone for the Guild through her presence and commitment. Even after her official roles ended, she continued her service, remaining active and visible in the community. Audrey’s work strengthened the organisation and its members, leaving a lasting legacy recognised by her OAM and the gratitude of countless widows.
Shirley Batty
Shirley became a war widow in 2024 after the death of her husband, Peter. Peter served 21 years in the Australian Regular Army as an Infantry Soldier, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. He served in Malaya, Borneo and South Vietnam, and was awarded campaign and service medals along with the Infantry Combat Badge. Shirley and Peter met in 1977 when he locked himself out of his car, and Shirley, who lived nearby, lent him a coat hanger. It was love at first sight from that moment and from that day they built a life together. After 45 years engaged, they married on Peter’s 80th birthday, a lasting testament to their enduring love.
Mary “Mollie” Ryan
Mollie was just 23 when she lost her husband during his active service in the Pacific. She carried his memory with her for the rest of her life, raising their daughter and finding strength in the companionship of other war widows. Mollie’s story reflects the resilience of an entire generation of women who rebuilt their lives while honouring the memory of those they loved.
Elaine Matthews
Elaine met David when he returned from deployment in Vietnam. Their years together were filled with family life, community service, and shared determination to navigate the challenges of post-service health. After his passing, Elaine dedicated herself to supporting other widows, sharing her story openly to encourage understanding of the long-lasting impact of service.
Margaret “Peggy” Lawson
Peggy’s life was marked by love, service, and resilience. When Robert did not return from his mission in 1944, she raised their two children with quiet determination. Peggy became an active member of her local war widows’ guild, advocating for support and connection for families. Her warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
These stories matter
The War Widows Honour Roll is a reminder of the lasting bonds within our community and recognises the resilience, strength, and contributions of war widows. Sharing those stories ensures their lives and legacies are remembered within the defence community and beyond.