Rodney Stevens
Clarence Valley Councillors paid their condolences to two prominent locals, Margaret McKenna and Connie De Dassel, for their valuable contributions to the valley at the February council meeting.
Margaret McKenna was a former Clarence Valley Councillor from 2008 to 2016.
Mayor Ian Tiley led the condolences for Mrs McKenna, who passed away on January 21, following a period of ill health.
“Margaret was schooled at McCauley Catholic College in Grafton, she was an accountant, like her father before her,” Cr Tiley said.
“She was a member of Grafton Rotary, and she loved volunteering. She was versatile, also for a time being the publican at Walkers Hotel, South Grafton, which she substantially renovated.
“Margaret was a committed and competent councillor, who loved the cut and thrust of debate.
“Rest in Peace, Margaret, many will sadly miss you.”
Cr Karen Toms, who served with Mrs McKenna on council for two terms, paid tribute to her colleague and close friend.
“I would like to put forward my condolences to her husband Steve and her family and friends,” she said.
Cr Toms said Mrs McKenna was also elected junior Mayor of Grafton in 1977 when Grafton had a junior council.
“She also chaired many council committees, including the coast and estuary committee, she was also on the Clarence Regional Library with me, and Clarence Tourism as I was for five years, she was on the aboriginal advisory committee and the heritage committee,” she said.
“She was also the public officer for almost 20 years for the Grafton residents progress association.
“She gave very much of her time as a volunteer, she was past treasurer of the Grafton Chamber and past treasurer of the Grafton Midday Rotary.
“She was wonderful to work for, she was a very strong woman…she was very opinionated, she loved being on council, and she had the most beautiful smile.”
Cr Tom’s then moved a motion of condolence to passed on to Mrs McKenna’s family.
Next, Cr Tiley said he wished to speak on behalf of another beautiful lady who passed away recently, Connie De Dassel.
“On the 22nd of January, a Lower Clarence icon, Connie or Constance Anne De Dassel OAM passed away at the age of 81,” he said.
“Connie was the mother of eight children, for her family was so important.
“For over 30 years Connie brought the magic and love of music to the lives of many, and especially to students at the Maclean music academy.
“In the process, hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for local charities.”
Ms De Dassel was awarded an OAM in 1997 and until quite recently she continued to teach music.
“She was always pleased to observe how music had a positive impact on all of her students lives over the years, as their confidence levels grew,” Cr Tiley said.
“She and her students had much fun, rehearsing and staging many shows.
“Rest in Peace, Connie, you are much loved, and will be sadly missed.”
A minute’s silence was then held for Mrs McKenna and Mrs De Dassel.