Hundreds of people attended the funeral service of Mavis Mary Moore on January 21. May, as she was known, passed away on January 17, aged 86. She lived a life dedicated to social justice and caring for friends, community and family.
Unionist Paddy Gorman delivered the eulogy. He said: “May was a remarkable woman, one of a kind, who inspired many. She and husband Fred were a formidable team in the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
“May believed in equality for all and had complete contempt for the rich and powerful who exploited working people.”
May was much loved in the community, particularly the Aboriginal community. She actively supported movements for change and welcomed people into her home in Dapto for a meal, a chat, or some sage advice.
She never missed a May Day rally, and Wollongong activists will always remember her aboard a Harley Davidson trike proudly waving a placard demanding rights at work.
She was a life member of the miners’ women’s auxiliary, which played a vital role in the success of miners’ union campaigns.
In the words of Fred Moore, “women are the backbone of the struggle”, and May’s example proves that.
She was an internationalist: active in the campaign against apartheid South Africa and for people struggling in Chile, Cuba, Ireland and much more.
She was even a life member of the Dapto Dolphins swimming team for her contribution to community sports.
May will be sadly missed by family, friends and comrades, but her example will live on through all movements demanding equality for all.