Farewell planned for former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell

FRIENDS and family of former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell will gather tomorrow, March 31, for a celebration of her life following her death at her home in Goonellabah on Tuesday aged 75.

The farewell service will begin at 10am at The Quad on Keen Street, with a private cremation to follow.

Those unable to attend in person can watch via livestream at

https://streaming.naoca.com.au/e/9390b344-ce49-4a01-878f-e039ab6ffdc3

Dowell had spoken openly in recent months about her terminal illness and decision to stop treatment as her condition deteriorated.

A death notice posted by her family confirmed she “passed away peacefully at her home in Goonellabah surrounded by her loving family”.

Her husband Ron Dowell said in a social media post she had died peacefully.

“Jenny my beautiful wife of 46 years died peacefully at home this morning.”

In the weeks leading up to her death she continued to attend community events where possible, including a tribute night at Star Court Theatre that drew hundreds of people from across the arts, local government and volunteer sectors.

Dowell served as mayor from 2008 to 2016 and remained active in community life long after leaving office, including working with the Red Cross during the region’s flood recovery.

Her involvement extended to organisations including the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA and suicide prevention initiatives, as well as advocacy around the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the anti coal seam gas movement.

Tributes flowed from across the region and beyond, including a recorded message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shown during the recent community tribute event.

Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot described her as “one of the best mayors we have ever seen”.

“A titan of the Labor Party on the North Coast,” Elliot wrote.

“Your legacy has changed the North Coast forever. Lismore and Labor to the core. All my love to Ron and the family.”

Her family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the Cancer Council at

https://inmemory.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/warwickbinney/in-memory-of-jenny-dowell

She is survived by her husband Ron, children Georgie, Tim and Kat, and extended members of the Adamson and Dowell families.

STAFF WRITER