Tribute to Maleny Support Group president Leanne Large

A dedicated volunteer and former wedding co-ordinator who ‘never had a bad word to say about anyone’ is being mourned by the Sunshine Coast hinterland community.

Leanne and her husband Paul Large.

Tributes are flowing for Sunshine Coast hinterland business owner, “friendly face” and “kind hearted soul” Leanne Large after her sudden passing.

Mrs Large, who died on October 8, aged 67, was Maleny Support Group President since 2011 and had faithfully supported Maleny Girl Guides in many ways since her daughters enrolled in 2005.

Mrs Large grew up on her family’s sheep and grain farm and attended Rosehill School and St. Catherine’s Anglican School.

During her youth she joined Girl Guides, attended Sunday school, Church Youth Group, was a regular bell ringer at St Mark’s Anglican Church and member of the Rural Youth Club where she took on active leadership including club president.

She had many jobs including clerk-assistant in a law firm, the kindergarten and a Warwick photo centre and moved to Stanthorpe after she and her husband Paul married and later raised their two daughters Marilyn and Chelsea.

The family later moved to Maleny and purchased a wedding venue and restaurant - Malcoms of Maleny - where Leanne was sous chef and wedding co-ordinator.

Leanne and her husband Paul Large.

When it was time for a tree change they moved to a hobby farm in Witta, grew lavender and opened Lavender Café and gift shop before Leanne retired and the family moved into town.

Close friend and member of the Maleny Girl Guides Robyn Webster said Leanne held a lifelong attachment to the guiding movement since she became a Brownie Guide in Warwick in 1962.

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“Her talents as an organiser and cook were fostered during guide activities and camps, skills that shaped her life,” she said.

“Leanne is acknowledged for her dedicated continuous service to Maleny district and the Sunshine Coast region.

“She loved being out and about, promoting Girl Guides in so many ways, mostly recognised in her ‘raffle ticket selling’ role that earned much needed funds to keep the Girl Guides functioning.”

Mrs Webster said Leanne would be sorely missed.

“Leanne was well known in the community as a friendly face and kind hearted,” she said.

“She was a person who never expected any praise and put everyone else before herself.

“She was eternally patient and never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

“She loved sharing her knowledge with people and was very grateful for the care and support of the community that she loved so very much.”