In memory of Patricia Little

In memory of someone special

Patricia Marie Little (nee Henry)

18 June 1955, Kati Kati NZ  –  16 Feb 2024, Perth WA

Trish was the eldest of 7 children born to dairy farmers Ross & Josephine Henry. She was raised in a rural, farm setting with all the advantages that entailed. She attended a Catholic Primary School in Kati Kati and finished her Secondary Schooling in Orini before attaining her teaching qualifications at University.

Her creative skills manifested themselves in textiles and other forms and she marketed herself as ‘Trish Craft’ in local NZ markets.

After teaching in mainly rural environments, she moved to Australia, landed in Sydney in about 1976 and over a period of time ended up in Townsville QLD.

Then it was on to WA via a Nullarbor Plain road trip with people that would become lifelong friends.

Shortly after arriving in Perth, she applied for a job at the Melbourne Hotel where her future husband Julian Little was also working. He was captured by her many charms which included intelligence, a beautiful smile, a sense of humour, responsibility, a capacity to love and forgive, and her overall capacity to support him and make things happen. They married on 25 October, 1979.

Trish continued teaching and was the inaugural teacher at the family primary school in Nedlands WA.

At this time she commenced her academic career in the arts at Curtin University and developed lifelong friendships there.

Two sons were born – Matthew Selwyn Little on 8^th November, 1983 (a miracle) and Joseph Ross Little on 31 August 1986 (a happy piece of luck).

Times were financially tough in the late 80s and early 1990s. Trish stuck to it and was prepared to make it happen for the family no matter what it took. Her support for her husband Julian never wavered.

In 1994 a mutual decision to buy a pest control business in Kalgoorlie led to the families financial salvation. A huge cultural shock which Trish handled. She worked in the pest control office, handled a myriad of situations and continued her career in the arts world with exhibitions, teaching, mentoring, and overseas involvement and travel including Japan.

She made a house a home and her gardens were always a delight. Around 2011 the decision was made to move closer to Perth to be closer to family, which was a result of Joseph being lucky enough to marry Nadia Antonelli. They purchased a house by the river in Toodyay which Trish renovated and made another garden paradise.

The first grandson Rocco arrived in 2019, followed by his brother Nico in 2022. Trish loved them both and her role as Nanna.

Throughout her life she maintained strong family contacts with her siblings and as the eldest took on the responsibilities of helping with her mother Jo and father Ross as they aged.

Throughout her times in Toodyay and Kalgoorlie, her creativity and production, involvement, mentoring and teaching in the arts never slowed. There are hundreds and hundreds of former students who have benefited from her dedication to their education and training.

Trish passed peacefully after two years of illness on 16^th February 2024 surrounded by her family. Her last 12 months were spent in Perth where she celebrated her 44^th wedding anniversary with friends, family and husband Julian, and also had many visits from family and friends during this time.

Trish was loved and respected by a great many people. She contributed so much love, expertise, and practical help. She will be sorely missed.

A life well lived,

Rest in Peace

Patricia Marie Little.