By Kath Gannaway
It’s hard to express the sadness that comes with hearing of the death of Sue Contarino (Tanner).
Sue’s message of faith, hope and love became a call to action for hundreds of people – men, women and children – who walked with her in her quest to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, and money for research.
Sue’s husband Steve, in a message to “all who loved Sue” said that she passed away on Wednesday 3 May.
He described her passing as the most tragic time of their lives.
Healesville High School, where Sue had been a teacher since 2001, spoke of her courage and said she was a much loved, respected and admired colleague, friend, teacher and mentor.
“In recent years Sue has waged a passionate and courageous fight against ovarian cancer, all the while continuing to be the optimistic, caring, kind and genuine person that we had come to know,” principal Alan Rennick said.
He said Sue had forged hundreds of strong friendships, connections and bonds with students, colleagues and parents in her time here.
Sue made a difference to hundreds through her teaching, but touched the lives of thousands through her Walk With Me campaign.
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and after treatment, experienced a recurrence in 2015.
The Walk With Me events in 2016 and 2017 raised thousands of dollars, but more than that they raised awareness and in the most tragic and vulnerable of circumstances, gave hundreds of people who otherwise may not have ever met Sue Contarino the privilege, joy and inspiration of that all too brief experience.
Mr Rennick’s words, “Our community is greatly saddened by Sue’s passing and we extend our deepest sympathies to her beloved husband Steve and their cherished daughter Raina, and to the Tanner and Contarino families”, are echoed widely.
