Janette Groszmann

Janette was born in the St George district of Sydney, but it’s an indication of her devotion to Eric that, for the last 30 years of her life, she was a passionate Parramatta Eels supporter. An only child, she was much loved by her parents Gwen and Jim, who were incredibly supportive and caring. In some people, this upbringing might have resulted in some self-centeredness, but with Janette the outcome was very much the opposite. She lived for Eric and the boys – Scott, Carl and Lee – and she gave meaning to the word “unselfish”. Eric and Janette met in Sydney in the early 70’s. It was an office romance, and they were soon married and headed to Melbourne to start life together, after Eric was transferred there by his employers. Accompanying them was Janette’s son from a previous marriage, Scott, whom Eric adopted and brought up as his own. During their time in Melbourne, which they enjoyed despite the weather and were disappointed to leave, Janette gave birth to Carl. Melbourne was never regarded as a long-term appointment for Eric, and in the late 70’s the family returned to Sydney. They bought a block of land at Castle Hill (for about $40,000!) and built a house, which is still the family home today. Shortly after moving into that house in Tuckwell Road, son number three, Lee, came along. Janette now had four boys to look after and she did so with all the love and care in the world. The house in Castle Hill was built on a bare block of dirt and Janette and Eric set about the landscaping, wondering some years later how they had ever had the energy and enthusiasm to do all this work! By this time Eric was on the Corporate fast track, which meant long hours and interstate trips, leaving Janette to cope with the demands of bringing up the boys. Eric joined Lend Lease in 1985 and at the first Christmas party the MD made a point of asking Janette if she had a photo of Eric so she would remember what he looked like! Yet she never complained, dealing with all the challenges as they came along, including Carl’s special needs. Carl is the fine man he is today – as indeed are all the boys – as a result of Janette’s care and encouragement. In the early 90’s the Groszmanns became small business people. Janette worked with Eric every day, learning how to keep the books and pay the suppliers, and providing support throughout an often difficult ten years. The relationship never suffered. After selling the business Janette and Eric took on less challenging jobs to see them out to retirement together, which unfortunately was not to be, as cruel misfortune struck Janette far too early. Janette loved music, reading, gardening, cooking (at which she was a Master Chef) and travel. There were many holidays around Australia and one memorable trip to America. She had a wonderful and often mischievous sense of humour and a great tolerance of Eric’s eccentricities. She made life-long friendships with neighbours from both Sydney and Melbourne. Above all, Janette loved life and loved her boys. She had some wonderful friends, some of whom are here today. We all loved her and will miss her so much.