Hundreds gathered in Gunnedah on Thursday to farewell the much-loved Nancy Small.
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The 69-year-old died peacefully last Friday morning, after a string of medical setbacks stemming from a brain aneurysm in May.
Tributes flowed on Facebook at the news of her passing and the Salvation Army building overflowed with those who turned out to remember the life of a kind and generous spirit.
Mrs Small’s niece Sharon, her eldest granddaughter Cindy Whitfield, and family friend Michael Broekman shared their many fond memories of the tenacious Gunnedah woman who was married to Colin for more than 50 years.
Best known for her passion for animals, Mrs Small was the owner of the popular Waterways Wildlife Park on Mullaley Road, which closed in April.
“Nancy and Colin loved the Gunnedah Waterways Wildlife Park,” Sharon said.
“A park they created together as one with true dedication and hard work, a strong bond with the animals along with having a proud heart; a manifested dream for them came true.
“Nancy’s care for the animals was astounding. She cared about giving the animals that came into her care, a second chance at living, a second chance in life. It’s a miracle Nancy blessed them with, so many animals that survived.
“Nancy worked from dawn to dusk. She proved her passion, love, care, and dedication, hard work, her life the animals of Waterways Wildlife Park.”
Sharon said undoubtedly “Nancy Small’s legacy is the koala capital of Gunnedah”.
Cindy Whitfield shared “a very special bond” with her grandparents whom she spent countless hours with.
“For those of you who were lucky enough to know Nan, knew Nan as a person who was ever-loving, caring, hard-working, maybe a bit quiet, and generous,” she said.
“But those of you who were extremely lucky enough to really know her saw and witnessed her cheeky, mischievous, fun, thrill-seeking, life-loving, crazy, energised, strong, determined, independent side.”
Ms Whitfield said she spoke to her Nan every day and it was one of the things she was missing most.
“I cannot thank you enough for always being by my side and supporting all my decisions, good and bad,” she said.
“Nan and Pop both shaped me into the person I am today, and I hope that makes them proud.”
Family friend Natasha Callaghan sang The Rose in tribute to Nancy.
Related story: In profile: Nancy Small, gum tree guardian