MCGUINESS FUNERALS, Funeral Director and passionate local Annette ‘Annie’ Walters was recently recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow award by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah AM.
The award acknowledges the tireless efforts of Annie in assisting families in celebrating the life of lost loved ones, during those heartbreaking moments when faced with the responsibilities of funeral arrangement.
Annie has been working at McGuiness Funerals incorporating White Dove Funerals for more than ten years and was described by McGuiness Funerals Manager Wayne Schulz as “giving all of herself to her clients”.
During the award announcement, Annie was showered in praise for being a dedicated local who warrants recognition.
The award was a surprise for Annie, who had attended the Rotary Club meeting without a clue she would be receiving the award.
“This person works in the funeral profession, a role that few people have the ability to work in due to the grief that is encountered on a daily basis,” the speech said.
“People working within the funeral profession endure pain and anguish every day as they experience the bereavement, the sadness, the confusion, the anger, the personal differences amongst family members, all mixed into one bundle.
“They are human, they feel the pain and loss, they pick themselves up, dust themselves off and come back and do it all over again day after day.”
The certificate stated that Annie was named a Paul Harris Fellow “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world”.
A shocked Annie said she was humbled and honoured that a community member had nominated her for a Paul Harris Fellow award.
“And so grateful Rotary accepted and approved the nomination,” she said.
“I feel so privileged to do the job I do, it’s not a job that allows for egos to get in the way, and a team effort is invaluable.
“People come to us for guidance and the ability to treat them with dignity and respect in one of their most adverse times, we have to respond to their needs from a place inside us that has no pretence or judgement, as each family or individual we meet with are individually different during their time of loss and grief.”
Mr Schulz said Annie was like a rock for him when he started as the McGuiness Funerals manager.
“Annie has some outstanding qualities and she really helped me find my feet when I started as manager,” he said.
“This is such deserving recognition for such a kind and caring soul.”
In closing, Annie said life as a funeral director was more than a job “it’s a calling”.
“I feel like I’m fulfilling one of my life’s purposes, and the Paul Harris Fellow reassures me I’m making a difference to the lives of others in the community in some small way,” she said.
To congratulate Annie and the McGuiness Funerals team visit 19 Wollumbin Street or phone: (02) 6672 2144.
