In loving memory
JEANNIE TAN
23RD JULY 1981 - 7TH MAY 2024
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
About Jeannie
As part of Jeannie’s practical legal placement, she volunteered with Prisoners’ Legal Service, Inc on her pathway to being admitted as a solicitor with the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia.
Dabbling initially with family law and general practice in her early career, she honed her understanding of the foundations of a law firm. However, it was her placement at the aforementioned Community Legal Centre that would be invaluable in shaping her future legal career at the Queensland Ombudsman.
After many years of service in the public sector, Jeannie came full circle and established a private law firm with Nigel Chan, the very same lawyer who supervised her legal placement at the commencement of her legal career, nearly two decades ago. The firm she sadly leaves behind is Clay Lawyers, aptly named after the bible study group both law partners attended and the Jars of Clay verse from 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.
By Phuong and Nigel Chan
IN REMEMBERANCE
Condolences
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7 entries.
Dear Jeannie. My primary & secondary school friend. I'm still in shocked and you've gone too soon. It's been decades since we knew each other. I remember we used to hangout so much during our school days, reccess time and having to do our homework. You've always been the trusted, kind and fun person to be with. We never had handphones back then but always planned our timings to call our housephones so we can answer them on time. Although these memories seems so long ago but I still remember our time hanging out in school together. These childhood memories are still with me and will always be. Till then my dear friend….
Dear Jeannie
You were always the brightest of stars. Your smile would light up the darkest day. Your personality filled each room with warmth and laughter.
We might not have seen each other often but when we did, we just picked up where we left off, as if no time had passed between us. We would laugh until we cried because of your quick wit. You were always so curious and interested in people and in all the possibilities that life had to offer. You were never a shrinking violet and I always appreciated your straight-talking, sharp shooting, take no prisoners style. And because of this you always gave the best advice. You were loyal and you loved fiercely and forever. I’ve never met a sister who loved and admired her brother more. It was clear you and Will shared such a special bond.
Jeans, you crammed many adventures into your short life and it seems so surreal that you’re not physically here. I heard a Pink song recently and the lyrics reminded me of you because I know you’re watching over us, until we meet again.
‘I thіnk оf уоu
When І thіnk аbоut fоrеvеr
І hеаr а јоkе аnd І knоw
You wоuld'vе tоld іt bеttеr
І thіnk оf уоu оut оf thе bluе
Whеn І'm wаtсhіng а mоvіе thаt уоu'd hаtе
Yоu'd ѕаy it
You wеrе nеvеr оnе tо hеѕіtаtе
Yоu wеrе аlwауѕ fіrѕt іn lіnе
Ѕо whу wоuld іt bе dіffеrеnt fоr heaven
Вut І gоt а соuрlе questions
Іѕ thеrе а bаr uр there
Where уоu'vе gоt а fаvоrіtе сhаіr?
Whеrе уоu ѕіt wіth frіеndѕ
And tаlk аbоut thе wеаthеr?
Іѕ thеrе а рlасе уоu gо
To wаtсh thе ѕunѕеt?
Аnd, оh
Is thеrе а ѕоng уоu јuѕt саn't wаіt tо ѕhаrе?
Yеаh, І knоw
You'll tеll mе whеn І gеt thеrе…’
Jeannie, you left way too soon. Just wanna share a few of many highlights I will remember you for.
I cannot believe that young teenage girl who once willing cleaned my room for $5 is gone. I still remember you getting very 'inspired' when I expressed my disbelief that you wanted to be a lawyer in high school – and said I expected you to graduate with a Batchelor of Arts. I still take credit for giving you that motivation to succeed.
And our shared passion for football… even though you supported the wrong team (Manchester United). I always enjoyed hanging at your place in Wishart till late at night to watch the games… while William had no idea what we were on about LOL. And all those times we went to Milton to watch the world cup. So much fun.
I will always remember your joyous laugh… when William and I cracked so many inappropriate and crass jokes. And all the dinners, movies, hangouts + gossip sessions we used to do together.
I know you're home now. And don't worry, I'll always remember you as a good friend and sister. Gonna miss you lots.
Having not had the honour of meeting Jeannie, I have had the privilege of meeting her brother Wil and admire his zeal for life and excitement around making new friends.
My heart is deeply sad to read about his loss and that of the family, friends and colleagues. Covering prayers as everyone processes what life looks like now.
This website is a beautiful space of honour and sharing of a life well lived. I appreciated reading more about Miss J Tan.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV
Glory to God that Jeannie is in the arms of Jesus and we will see her again one day. By His grace may He give us what we need to grieve the ones we have lost and miss.
Lots of love and heartfelt prayers.
Blessings, Roxanne
Dearest Jeannie,
I can't believe you're no longer with us. You departed too soon, too young. I met you when I first arrived in Brisbane, and you were my cousin Amy's close friend. Despite our brief encounter, you left a lasting impression on me as a confident and bubbly girl. I still recall your demeanor, the laughter, and giggles we shared during those moments. Even after so many years, I can still hear your laughter echoing in my mind. You were undeniably the life of the party—bubbly, cheerful, and confident. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you.
To Aunty Jennifer, Uncle Mano, William, and Amelia – my heartfelt condolences go out to you during this difficult time. Jeannie was a remarkable girl, and her memory will always remain alive in our hearts and minds. May God's peace, comfort, and love surround and support you as you navigate through this season of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
To my dearest Jeans. I simply cannot find the words to sum up the memories of 25 years of formative life together. Thank you for being there at all my life’s important milestones! You were my special bridesmaid and a beloved aunty to Mark, Micah and Milly. Our shared July 23 birthday festivities will now never be the same without you. I’m proud of all you set your heart to achieve in our “grown up days” and you certainly did it all, with determination and flair. It’s painfully difficult to picture the next 40 years without you and not hearing you say “Tezzieeee”. Girlfriend, you were the epitome of “Fantabulous”, (and you’re still the only person I know who used that word!) and your favourite Noisy Bunch and I will treasure you always in our hearts, JeanSTAR. X
To my little sister, I will miss the long chats and foodie catchups to talk about relationships, politics, cars, church, and life. No more needing me to be your IT support or helping you decide on tech buying decisions. You were taken from us too early but you're in a better place now. You will be truly missed by me and many others. I expect the party to be ready and roaring when meet again.