Bundaberg icon Shirley Greenhalgh leaves legacy of family, faith, and fashion

The matriarch of Avenell Bros., a cornerstone of Bundaberg’s business and cultural history, has been farewelled in an emotional service at Christ Church.

Shirley Greenhalgh

The matriarch behind one of Bundaberg’s most well-known shops has been remembered for her contributions to the town’s business and cultural history.

Shirley Greenhalgh was remembered on Tuesday at Christ Church after she died at the Friendly Society Private Hospital on December 28, 2024, aged 98.

She was the beloved wife of Ronald, dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of John, Adrian and Shelley, and Judy and Jurgen Lebang, loving grandmother of Laura, Carly, Aleena, Nathan, Thomas, Madeleine, Sophie, and great-grandmother of Theo and Toby.
Shirley was also the beloved sister of Betty.

Shirley Greenhalgh died just days after Christmas.

Born on November 6, 1926, Shirley lived in Maryborough and Gympie before settling in Burnett Heads, a place she called home.

Her son John shared memories of her life, saying everyone arrived at her funeral on time after she spent her life running late.

He remembered having to tell her appointments were earlier than scheduled so she could accessorise, have a tea, and prepare.

He described her as his mother, his mentor, his confidant, his friend, and his harshest critic.

He added that she lived her life guided by family, faith, fashion, and friends.
John reminisced about Shirley’s romance with his father, a young man with blue eyes who tapped her on the back and asked for a ride home on his motorbike.
Their courtship during wartime evolved, with the motorbike eventually replaced by a car.
He noted the car became a family anecdote when its hood flew off while travelling through Torbanlea when he was a baby.

John said they were given opportunities her and their father never had, and highlighted her pride in her grandchildren’s achievements.
One of Shirley’s greatest joys was the arrival of her two great-grandsons.
She delighted in blowing whistles with Theo and teaching him how to blow a balloon and let it go, finding joy in the simple things.

Shirley’s son John shared memories of his mothers life.

Shirley’s Granddaughter Carly spoke fondly of her grandmother’s influence.
She said she would go to her grandma’s house to ride her bike and enjoy a sweet treat.
Her first job was working at Avenell Bros., where she learned the principles of hard work and respect from Shirley.
Carly cherished the fine china items gifted to her by her grandmother and noted Shirley’s passion for fashion and hatmaking.
John shared memories of Shirley’s resilience, particularly before the 2020 lockdown when she was hospitalised and ‘full of tubes’.
John travelled from Sydney to be by her side, only for Shirley to ask urgently if he had bought any handbags and if he had pictures from his travels.
Carly said her grandma loved a chat, and it was during these conversations she got to know her.

She reflected on Shirley’s stories from wartime, including dances with Dutch air force men, and shared memorable advice Shirley gave, such as not searching for an expiry date, being more ladylike and covering your mouth when you yawn, and taking a Vicks Vapour Drop for a sore throat.

Shirley Greenhalgh as captured by Brad Marsellos.

Shirley once told her granddaughter she had made a wonderful family and done some wonderful things in her life, while reminding her things don’t happen on their own and ‘you’ve got to make it happen’.