Jill has faithfully served on the CPL Research Ethics Committee for many years. She always provided clever insights, sound judgment and a sharp focus on making decisions that protected and benefitted the most vulnerable people in our community. She was a generous and kind team player. We have been incredibly blessed to know and serve with her and are going to deeply miss her consistent and faithful presence on our committee.
Dear Morrie and family (especially Catherine whom I met years ago with my own daughter Catherine), I have only just had news of Jill’s death and can imagine your devastation. Now in Manchester, U.K., I have scarcely been in Brisbane for over twenty years and always expected Jill would be there at the end of her phone or on her UQ email when I next made it back, which would have been 2020 sans pandemic. A year ahead at Women’s College on the B Soc Stud but only a week older, I was allocated fresher Jill to show her the ropes. We became friends and it was more often Jill supporting me through scrapes (or feeding my rats for a Psych experiment) though I maybe provided some decent model essays. I was already established in London when Jill arrived, working for Anna Freud and living an un-expat life in north London, but we met up again and had a rail trip through Switzerland to Como and Florence, queuing at stations for often eccentric accommodation to be allocated. I joined trips with her flatmates, admired her allotment, and we would dawdle on Primrose Hill (near my flat) with the whole expanse of London before us. She became firm friends with my husband-to-be and was my bridesmaid when we married in the crypt of Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey!). When she went back to Australia, she left me her dilapidated (I.e. theft-proof) allotment bike which proved as reliable as she was, lasting for years for ferrying children to school. I still serve celebration cakes on the pewter platter she gave me as a wedding present. Sadly, the lace and cotton nightie she ran up to cheer me up when I had German measles on my 19th birthday has not survived. That Jill became such an eminent figure in Australian Work education did not surprise me but the fact that this was recognised in academic accolades and that AO is so pleasing for someone who would have never ‘blown her own trumpet’ but let her work speak for itself. Such a lynch-pin of her family and her profession, what a life well-lived. Deep sympathy to Morrie and the family, and please contact me by email if you would like some photos of Jill from her London years - I have several and do not remember if she had copies. gabrielleodonovan@hotmail.com
Although not a social worker, I know Jill from the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work. It struck me, that she was always inclusive and didn't mind where you came from. She was attentive, happy to speak with you and was a good listener when there were conversations all around her. I remember her wisdom and considered her to be a grand lady and leader. I hope you find comfort in the words of many people who have posted here. She will be missed in the School. Glenda Hawley
The Australian Council of Heads of Social Work Education offers it condolences to Jill's family at this time of sadness. Emeritus Professor Jill Wilson made an enormous contribution to social work education in Australia, including as a former member of this Council.
To dearest Morrie and family … sincere condolences to you all at this sad, sad time. Like so many, I am grieving the loss of such a significant professional and personal role model and mentor. Even as an undergraduate (very ambivalent) social work student, Jill stood out to me because of her clear practitioner heart. She was unreservedly committed to students and to making sure graduating students had the values, skills and frameworks to go and make a difference in the world. As my PhD supervisor, she was so warm, accessible, thoughtful and full of good humour. She was kind, smart, and truly exceptional in terms of her commitment to students, to social work practice, and to practical projects that made a difference to the lives of the vulnerable. I always wondered how she managed to juggle all of the competing demands on her, and still make you feel so seen and cared about. What a humble powerhouse for justice and compassion, and what a wonderful example of living a life of service, ideas, justice making, generosity and devotion to family. Vale Jill you will be remembered and missed.
So sorry to hear of your great loss. A special person to all.
Dear Morrie, Catherine, Michael, James, Patrick, Lachie, Alice and Rufus,
I am so sorry for your loss. As you could see on Friday, Jill was much loved and respected by people in her professional and personal communities. Through her quiet and determined commitment, she became a towering figure in Australian social work. She made contributed substantially to improving the lives of people living with disabilities and with vulnerabilities associated with aging. She cared deeply our school, and we care deeply her. Knowing that she lived her life so well, I hope can bring you some comfort at this difficult time.
Karen
Dear Cath, Sam Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you farewell Jill
Thanks for sharing beautiful tribute of her life
Now in God's loving Hands with all our Loved ones that have gone before us
Love and Blessings
Anna, Frank Sette & Family
My condolences to Prof Jill's family. May she rest in peace knowing all her good deeds and knowledge live in each of her students and the life she touched.
My deepest condolences to Morrie and all Jill’s family and my heartfelt thanks for an honourable and sincere funeral that gave us all the chance to celebrate Jill‘s life and mourn her passing. I started in Social work education in 2006 at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney. The first book recommended to me was Jill’s text, ‘making the most of field placement’. It was such a practical, positive, intelligent, wise approach to social work supervision and social work education that I became a firm fan of Jill’s work and her way of thinking.. Later I had the great honour of sitting across the table from Jill during numerous accreditation panels. I have fond memories of her smile, the cheeky look in her eyes and her delight in innovative and passionate approaches to social education. You always knew that that she supported quality thinking and wanted the very best for our students. I can only imagine the sadness you feel at her untimely passing. Thanks for sharing your stories with us and know that we walk with you in your grief. Warmest regards,
Jill was an absolute giant. I am so grateful I was able to be taught and learn from her. In my mind's eye she is 12 ft tall. It was an immense privilege to be with, celebrate and mourn with so many people who were touched by her brilliance and kindness.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jill's family during this difficult time. As a former student of Jill's at UQ, I feel genuinely privileged to have been guided by such an exceptional individual. Her beautiful soul, kindness, and remarkable presence have left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Jill's influence will continue illuminating our paths as we navigate our journeys and careers in service to others. Her legacy of compassion and wisdom will forever inspire us all.
Jill was a massive inspiration to me during my time as a social work student. She was passionate, intelligent, patient, generous and forthright. I so valued her guidance, support and no nonsense approach. My condolences to Morrie and her family. Much love.
Dear Morrie and family. My thoughts are with you on the loss of Jill. Today's celebration of her life was a fitting tribute to a woman who lived and breathed a life of service to others. She will be sorely missed but today also showed her legacy across research, practice and community life will continue through the people she taught and mentored.
Condolences to Morrie and your family. Jill touched.my life in many way, initially at Rocky Girls’ Grammar where she was a senior supervising our unruly junior prep class. Later, as colleagues at UQ, I was privileged to work on various projects with her across disability and social work practice. Jill was a true warrior for social justice and standing up for the vulnerable. A tireless worker, she always managed somehow to juggle teaching, researching, writing supervising prac and PhD students with caring for family and others. I was in awe of her stamina. Jill was a rare human: intelligent, ethical, kind and calm even in the most challenging situations. She will be greatly missed but I am grateful for her legacy. Vale Jill.
Dear Morrie and family. I was very saddened to hear of Jill’s passing and I send my deepest condolences. Jill was my first lecturer in Social Work as a Rule 4 student in 1978, a very interesting time politically and socially in Queensland. Jill and Morrie provided joint placement supervision at the West Brisbane clinic although I recall we had as many conversations about family life and twins as we did about social work. Jill and Morrie were instrumental in my decision to follow a career in social work, which I continue to practice. You were also generous in welcoming the group of us to your home when we completed placement. I was delighted to see Jill again when I attended my daughter’s graduation a few years ago when she was a member of the Academic parade displaying her beaming smile. Jill leaves an amazing legacy to the profession and will be remembered for her kindness and support to students and practitioners.
Dear Morrie and family, sending you all so much love and strength.Oh, Jill - you were a wonderful colleague, an incredible mentor, and the most kind and generous friend. How I’ll treasure our chats over coffee, your wise words about raising young kids when in academia, and most importantly your advice about when to ‘just get on with it’ versus when to ‘stop being Pollyanna about it’. Your door was always open, your ear and time always freely given, and wisdom always shared. I hope I can carry on your legacy with even half the grace that you had. How lucky we were to have you in our lives. Xxx
I just wanted to send my condolences to Morris & his family & particularly to Maureen O’Connor at the loss of her sister-in-law. The loss of Jill will leave a huge gapping hole in your hearts. One that can never be filled. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with all Jill’s family and friends as you farewell a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague.
A friendly, approachable and kind woman who brought much peace and calm to my life. I will always remember Jill with fondness. Rest peacefully.
My condolences to Jill's family. I feel lucky to have known Jill, and to have been guided and supported by her during my PhD journey. I am forever grateful for her role in enabling me to pursue this path and my PhD supervisions will not be the same without her.
Dearest Morrie and family. I can’t begin to imagine the hole that Jill’s passing will leave in your lives. She was such a force of nature with a heart of gold. Sadly, I was not able to attend today’s farewell in person but was honoured to join the streaming.
I was so lucky to know Jill and Morrie both personally and professionally. As an undergraduate I thought Jill was one of the most beautiful women I knew… statuesque, open hearted, joyful and inspiring!
I, along with thousands of undergraduates, post graduates and young academics benefited from her teaching and mentoring. We thank you Jill!
I admired her practice and academic contributions. I was particularly impressed by her determined, innovative and brave commitment to doing only what would practically benefit vulnerable people. She was very impressive practitioner-academic never siloing social work facets but integrating service development and delivery, community based services, community development, research, policy, development of the profession and most importantly, student formation.
I have been deeply touched by the generosity of Jill and Morrie.
Farewell Jill and thank you.
My deep condolences to Morrie and Family. I was very lucky to have Jill as a teacher and field liaison at a time when I was struggling and she was wise, practical and generous in her support. She has made such a contribution to the profession and the vulnerable people we seek to serve through personal example, practice and education of workers. Very lucky to have been a student with her.
I knew Jill as a senior and revered figure in social work. When I spoke with her directly she was always warm, friendly and honest.
Watching the tributes from Jill's family and hearing about other aspects of her life it's clear these qualities were present in all parts of her life.
Vale Jill
I have been a colleague of Jill's for many years through the AASW accreditation panels and the Australian Council of Heads of Social Work Education. Jill was a much respected social work education leader and was highly esteemed by social work staff at the University of South Australia. She visited us many times to re-accredit our programs, and was always highly professional, direct, fair and loved a good debate about the issues we all faced in our discipline. She will be greatly missed in social work education all around the country - she has provided insightful advice and guidance through all her engagements with us. Vale, Em Professor Jill Wilson.
Dear Morrie and family, So very sorry for the loss of Jill. I will always remember her kindness, clarity, compassion and leadership. I am unable to be there today but send my thoughts, condolences and will be on live link. Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Ingrid.
My sincere condolences to family members and friends. I had a few email exchanges related to work with Professor Jill Wilson and met Jill on a few occasions. Those encounters left a deep sense of personal touch and professionalism in me. Jill always inquired about my wellbeing and appreciated my work. Not having Jill with us is a great loss to the social work community and society. Her dedication to work, outputs, outcomes and ideals remain with us and future generations to cherish. My respects and prayers to Prof. Jill Wilson.
Sending love to you all at this difficult time. Jill was an amazing woman who had an incredible impact on the world. I am lucky to have known her. I'm sorry I can't join you in person.
With love, Sarah
Dear Morrie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Having meet Jill so many years ago, I think in the 1980s, our paths have crossed many times. We have been colleagues on many accreditation panels for the AASW and she recently chaired the panel that accredited the program that I had started. She always showed grace and leadership and was wonderful to work with on these panels. Her commitment to social work education and in particular the centrality of field education was outstanding. She asked the hard questions but always with wanting to make sure that social work education was of the highest quality. She will be missed by the social work community. Vale JillPeter Camilleri
My condolences to your family she was a great person to know and was loved by many. rest in peace
Thinking especially of Morrie and all the family and friends of Jill at this sad time. Jill’s warmth, incisive intellect and compassion will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to have her as a friend and social work mentor. She was a leader in our profession who taught us through how she did things as much as what she did.
My deepest condolences to Morrie and family during this very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jill was an amazing, smart lady and she will be missed by all.
We mourn the loss of a pioneer social work educator and friend.
My sympathy to Jill’s family. Jill was an amazing woman who led with grace, compassion and care. Jill had a wonderful sense of humour and cared about people. Her contribution to Unitingcare is immense . Jill has made a difference to our society and will be missed.Christine Digby
Morrie and family. I send my deepest sympathy, love and thoughts. Jill will be greatly missed. Take care of each other at this time.
Jill was the best. Straight down the line, no nonsense or navel gazing. Knew where she stood, what change needed to happen, and taught, organised and fought for it in her own way. No ego. No pretense. Total sincerity, authenticity, and commitment. Gave generously of her time to support others. Was mega intelligent and talented. Compassionate and kind. Just a power house. I would consider her a comrade of mine. Rest in power Jill. Social work is so much better for having you. Lots of love to Morrie and family.
To James, Morris and family. We have only known you for a short time as an in-law. Thank you for welcoming us into your home and lives. We thoroughly enjoy having James ‘participate’ in our family gatherings. He always brings a sparkle to the events. Our family is deeply shocked by Jill’s passing. We will be thinking of all your extended family and would like to pass on our condolences.
My heartfelt condolences to Morrie and Jill's family on behalf of Blue Care. Over many years we have valued all the work Jill has contributed, and her support of Blue Care, from those early days to her wonderful support of our Blue Care people, and significant work leading and supporting research.
We are so saddened by Jill's passing and send our love and support and sincere appreciation for Jill's incredible and enduring work across the aged care and community sector.
With our sincere sympathy, Cathy Thomas and the entire Blue Care Team.
My sincere condolences to Morrie and his children and grandchildren, inlaws for your great lose. Your wife, mother, mother inlaw and grandmother was an amazing woman. I met her briefly for 3 weeks when Morrie was away gor holidays. She was so lovely. We had great conversations about life and i knww she was a great woman who balanced her work life and her family. She was loved by her husband and children.I wanna a leave a saying for her, Behind every successful man is a woman. Jill you were that woman for CLA. Without your love and support CLA would not come this far to help migrants like me. CLA is where it is now because such lovely woman like you kept the fire at home warm for Morrie. You are loved and know now that Heaven has gotten the best woman to rest. Dear Jill rest in Eternal Peace and we shall meet you when our times come.Merolyn Kuie
Support worker
CLA
Dear Morrie and family. I send my deepest sympathy. Jill was one of the most authentic, genuine, passionate and ethical social work academics I have ever met. She was my favourite educator at UQ where I first studied. I recall her teaching me about community (my world view widened) with twins in tow. Her research inspired me as she blended real world with knowledge. A fierce advocate for disadvantaged people and communities - I aspired to be like her. Her zest and courage and compassion will be sorely missed in the academic community across Australia. She really was a change agent who inspired and made a difference. I send my thoughts love and trust family will wraparound in your collective grief and love will keep you all nurtured. Kindly, Niki
Dear Morrie and family and the vast 'extended' family of Jills, my heartfelt condolences for your loss, and for our collective loss of a truly amazing human being who gave so much, was so generous with her wisdom and knowledge and kindness and touched so many lives. In Greek we say forever in our memories "eonas i mnimi". xx
My heartfelt condolences go out to Professor Jill Wilson's family. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing last week. As her current PhD student, I had my final supervision meeting with Professor Jill just two weeks ago. It's hard to believe it was the last opportunity to hear her voice and receive her comments and advice on my PhD work. As an international student, I first met Jill two and a half years ago when I applied to study at UQ. Since then, I have gained immeasurable knowledge from her, from her distinguished understanding of social work theories and research skills to her respectful attitude, professionalism, and kind manner. I will never forget her kindness and calmness, always accompanied by her usual smiling face and warm voice. Professor Jill, thank you so much for being my dedicated supervisor. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Dear Morrie and family, such a loss, for you all. Its also a loss for all of us who worked with and love and respected Jill, for the social work profession, the research community, past and present students and for UQ. I first met Jill when I came to UQ in 1987-she was in the door very quickly telling me , as the untested Head of School, about the centrality of field education and that more resources were needed. Her capacity to balance the demands of caring for 4 children (and Morrie) with teaching, supervision, university service,community service and research were mind boggling. Despite having 4 small children(including twins!) she successfully embarked on a PhD part time while she met all of the other expectations of a busy academic and practitioner. Its been my privilege to have worked with Jill, supervised her PhD, collaborated with her on research projects and publications and joined her on social work accreditations but above all to have had her as a good friend. Jill was a straight shooter, had a wry sense of humour,and an amazing mind. Even though she hadn't been well for several years she soldiered on. I will miss her so much.
warmly Linda Rosenman
My condolences Morrie & family.
Jill was a rare mix of approachable, academic & real. Her contributions are huge. She will be remembered
Dear Morrie and family. I'm grateful for having met and studied under Jill. She was a person of great significance. Social work in Australia is richer and kinder because of Jill's contribution. Sending warm wishes to you all at this time, and gratitude for Jill's life and work.
My heartfelt condolences to Morrie and all of Jill's family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Jill's passing and have been sitting in a space of reflection the past few days recalling wonderful memories and feeling grateful for her impact and influence. I had the privilege of being taught by Jill in the late 90s; working closely with her in the 2000s in my various roles with the AASW and the UQ Alumni; and benefiting from her contributions to the social work profession, ever since. It was always a good day when I got to see Jill, whether in a meeting, or just bumping into her in the corridors of the Chamberlain Building. Jill's intelligence, compassion, wit and humility were ever present. I have drawn on every version of her text (co-authored with the late Helen Cleak), 'Making the Most of Field Placement' for the past 20 years; a hardcopy always on my shelf and pulled out for review when looking for resources to support Students and Field Educators. Personally, I am going to hold firmly onto a vision of Jill with shining, smiling eyes; and a penchant for calling me "mate".
It was 1990, I was newly returned to Brisbane from working as an adaptive education teacher and researcher in mental health in Adelaide, and also as a new Mum; looking for work. I went to an interview with Jill and her research lead, Glenys at Jill's home in Wilston. Calling out at the open front door, Jill called back from the back of the house where she was ironing a mountain of clothes. The interview happened and the last question was about my availability, and I stressed that my daughter came first. Jill nodded and I got the job! From that day, Jill opened a door for me, as she has done for so so many others, a door to opportunity and discovery. As the years moved on, Jill was a rarity in the world of academia, for many reasons but visibly in academic publications where she never put her name first, letting those who had done the bulk share the glory. Jill always listened, always smiled, and was never in a hurry. That is a jewel in this world. I have no idea how she did it, in a life so jammed packed with demands and commitments, she had the energy to be kind and respectful. Astonishing, really, that's Jill to me.
Dear Morrie and family (especially Catherine whom I met years ago with my own daughter Catherine), I have only just had news of Jill’s death and can imagine your devastation. Now in Manchester, U.K., I have scarcely been in Brisbane for over twenty years and always expected Jill would be there at the end of her phone or on her UQ email when I next made it back, which would have been 2020 sans pandemic. A year ahead at Women’s College on the B Soc Stud but only a week older, I was allocated fresher Jill to show her the ropes. We became friends and it was more often Jill supporting me through scrapes (or feeding my rats for a Psych experiment) though I maybe provided some decent model essays. I was already established in London when Jill arrived, working for Anna Freud and living an un-expat life in north London, but we met up again and had a rail trip through Switzerland to Como and Florence, queuing at stations for often eccentric accommodation to be allocated. I joined trips with her flatmates, admired her allotment, and we would dawdle on Primrose Hill (near my flat) with the whole expanse of London before us. She became firm friends with my husband-to-be and was my bridesmaid when we married in the crypt of Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey!). When she went back to Australia, she left me her dilapidated (I.e. theft-proof) allotment bike which proved as reliable as she was, lasting for years for ferrying children to school. I still serve celebration cakes on the pewter platter she gave me as a wedding present. Sadly, the lace and cotton nightie she ran up to cheer me up when I had German measles on my 19th birthday has not survived. That Jill became such an eminent figure in Australian Work education did not surprise me but the fact that this was recognised in academic accolades and that AO is so pleasing for someone who would have never ‘blown her own trumpet’ but let her work speak for itself. Such a lynch-pin of her family and her profession, what a life well-lived. Deep sympathy to Morrie and the family, and please contact me by email if you would like some photos of Jill from her London years - I have several and do not remember if she had copies.
Dear Morrie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and that I cannot be there in person. I am grateful for the video link so I can share Jill's life and passing with you all.
Jill was my supervisor on my first prac at West Brisbane Clinic in 1981. I became a regular in your home in the following years as I baby sat the twins on occasion while my eldest was a baby. When I moved back to FNQ we would catch up whenever I was in Brisbane & over the years since we have brushed shoulders in many work situations. My most recent work connection with Jill was an AASW Accreditation in March in Sydney. As our birthdays are a day (and a few years) apart I emailed her last month to wish her Happy Birthday. As always, she responded quickly. I am deeply shocked and saddened by her passing, but knowing how many lives, like mine, that she touched in positive ways gives me peace. I hope the service and catch up with the many, many people whose lives she touched, will bring some comfort to you all. I'll be with you in spirit and on the video link from Canberra. Love to you all. Kandie
