A Bequest Story – Anne Court (Lowry ’58)
St Catherine’s School has always been very much a part of my life. My parents were actively involved and certainly modelled to me the importance of fully participating in a community and giving back. My mother Lynette (Walkley), left school in 1935 and my father John Lowry was a member of the School Council for most of my time at school.
When I married, I made my first Will. My late husband Jim, who died in 1998, and I both felt strongly about leaving a legacy to the institutions that had provided the foundation for the people we had become and given us so much enjoyment. This was an opportunity to acknowledge the respect we had for our teachers and friends. It was also a way to maintain a connection with the school.
Jim and I were fortunate to have four children, Fiona Langford (’79), David Court, Sandie Gorton (’84) and Amy Paton (’85). Jim was also a member of the School Council from September 1967 until September 1987 as Honorary Secretary and later as Treasurer. Over the years, I have been involved as both a committee member and former President of St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association and the Foundation.
Our son David married Nicola Foley (’83) whose sisters, Lisa Clemenger (’79), Pia Perkins (’81) and Anna Foley (’92), also came to the School. Grandson Edward Court went to Early Leaning Centre (ELC) and granddaughters Lucy Court (’11) and Eliza Court (’15) are also former students.
Daughter Sandie (Court ’84), married David Gorton whose mother Sue (King ’59) was School Captain and his sisters, Sally Furphy (’88) and Lisa Gorton (’89) came to St Catherine’s. Sandie and David’s children are also members of the School community – Elizabeth Gorton left school in 2018, James attended ELC and Sophie is currently in Year 11.
I could not have known at the time I made that original Will, how much a part of my life the School would continue to be. Although looking after family will be a priority always, I know that by including a bequest to St Catherine’s contributes to building a foundation for future generations to reach their potential.
The benefit of education is the key to transforming lives and extends far beyond the security of our historical front gates.
Should you have any questions, or require further information about leaving a gift in your Will to St Catherine’s School, please contact the Advancement Office on +61 3 9828 3032 or email foundation@stcatherines.net.au