Nevertheless, she remained interested in what was going on in town and was up on the news. She was a good listener, and her amazed “Aaahhhs” were often released twice within minutes depending upon the liveliness of the account being related.

Winn liked to laugh and her good-natured personality with grace prevailed.

Immaculately dressed and neatly coifed, Winn White was an identity. She was an inspiration, an asset to any group, and will be missed.

Her legacy in Lightning Ridge is White’s Chemist guided by her daughter, the ever bustling Rhonda, and partner, Garry Yeo.

The White ladies have been members and strong supporters of the Historical Society.

They gave the 1915 BNA building to the society for relocation to Morilla Street, then to be restored as a tribute to the bush nurses of Lightning Ridge, 1914-1975.

Winn became patroness of the society in 2006 and participated in the Opal Festival Raffle 2007 and the Time Capsule 2008.

Thereafter, she put in her apologies for events and meetings but we kept her up-to-date with society activities.

The committee appreciated her interest and comments shared over cups of tea in her Bald Hill home.

Rhonda joined in with equal interest in the society’s plans and achievements.

Winn’s last social outing was in December to celebrate her 90th birthday at a party put on by family and friends at the community church.

She was predeceased by her husband Lew in 1994, who came to the Ridge to work with friend, Sandy Randell. Together they developed the Walk-in Mine.

R.I.P. Winn White.