Speeches

Today, as we gather to honour and celebrate the life of Jeannie Tan we have been reminded from so many family, friends and colleagues, of a remarkable soul who graced our lives with her presence. Jeannie was not just an excellent and remarkable lawyer; she was a force of nature, a woman of substance, grace, and strength.

Her love for fast, manual cars was only matched by her zest for life. Whether she was behind the wheel of her cherished JTAN custom, suitably parked outside right now, or navigating the complexities of the legal world, she did so with determination and flair. And oh, how she adored painting her nails her favourite colour purple! It was a small but vibrant reflection of her spirit and her unwavering sense of style. And is reflected today in the gentle non-black dress code we see across the room.

We met in the church Ablaze youth group when we were teenagers. She was 18 and I was 16. She loved Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera and I remember some flash dance moves she had in her back pocket. Not to mention her double jointed elbow trick! After one fateful adventure to Wet and Wild in 1999 with the notorious trio JB, KC and Troy, our friendship was firmly cemented and there followed many years of hanging out, sharing secrets, sleepovers and giggling that continued from church, high school, uni years, working life and then- aunty time, an era I describe as where I had to request my own time with her because she wanted to talk with my kids more than me, whenever she visited!! More about that in a sec.

First- It would be amiss not to mention Jeannie’s culinary expertise. She had a talent for cooking and baking that knew no bounds. Her kitchen was a place of love, where she would whip up mouth-watering Curry dishes from scratch, and bake delicious treats like lemon curd slice and chewy chocolate brownies. One year she outdid herself and attempted 3 flavours of French macarons- and they were actually quite successful! Over the years she hosted many dinner parties with themes like Indian Night, Homemade Pizza Night, Malaysian Night, Durian Night… wait I think that one was actually at Ruthie’s house… Her home was a place of laughter with lots of fun times and we were all blessed by the meals and stories shared.

Aunty Jeannie started the tradition of an annual birthday bake-off with my kids to celebrate her joint birthday with my second son Micah who was born on her 30th birthday, to her great delight. (She had been nagging me for months when she found out I was due in July!) For Jeannie was a beloved aunty to my three children. She was there at all our special milestones-in hospital as newborns, their first birthdays and even some surprise chool pickups. Her presence in their lives was a gift beyond measure and I’m so sad Micah won’t get to celebrate his 21st birthday jointly with her, as we had talked about and planned towards. My home is full of gifts that remind me daily of her generous and giving heart. From a Loki Blanket, to Thor t-shirt, Guess kids vests, designer candles, preserved flowers and personalised mugs, the kids and I were so spoiled by aunty Jeans.

Beyond her professional achievements and doting aunty duties, Jeannie had a special love for adventures to cold places far, far away every Christmas with her family and friends. Jeannie was a traveler at heart, exploring the far corners of the globe and soaking in the beauty and diversity of our world, as you can see from the photo slideshows. She truly loved exploring God’s beautiful creation. With each adventure, she enriched her life and brought back stories of… more random Indian men always trying to pick her up! It was a literally, a global phenomenon, wherever she went!! Oh I have stories.

Most of all, Jeannie was a fierce and loyal friend. What you told her, stayed with her. If she was in your corner, you had her support 110%. She wasn’t afraid to call a spade a spade. And if she felt you had wronged any friend of hers- watch out. She’d cut you off for good and not look back. And that’s what we all loved and respected about Jeannie. She had many groups of friends and was private about what happened in the various circles; she just simply gave herself 100% to the time she was with you.

And gosh she was fun! I will miss hearing her voice and her laughter. And her “Tezzieeee” …and not seeing her handwritten cards signed JeanSTAR. A tradition we began as teenagers. Speaking of stars. Did you know? This week she passed, we saw an amazing sky phenomenon. Aurora Australis, which is the “down under” version of the Northern Lights, lit up our Aussie skies with purple hues- Jeannie’s favourite colour. And on the day she passed, there were not just one, but double rainbows in the skies all day. Perhaps signs that Jeannie is not only now resting in eternal peace in literally, heaven, but having fun doing it in her classic Jeans signature style.

As we reflect on Jeannie’s life, let us also remember the love and support she gave to and received from her family. To her mother Aunty Jennifer, her stepfather Uncle Mano, her older brother William and his partner Amelia, Jeannie was a source of pride and joy. She loved them dearly and always spoke fondly of family memories and insider jokes. We pray for peace for her family at this time and hope the many precious memories recounted in today’s celebration of Jeannie’s life will bring comfort and smiles as we all continue to remember her for the rest of our lives.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

My dear, dear Jeans, may you rest in eternal peace. You are loved by SO many. Your absence leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled. But as we mourn your passing, we also celebrate the beautiful legacy you leave behind. You have touched countless lives near and far. May your spirit soar free and be with God. Dear sister. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Until we see you again.

Jeannie, Jeans, JT or affectionately known as “Just Trouble” as I called her was one of a kind. She was fiercely loyal, vocally amplified, sassy, annoying argumentative and never afraid to speak her mind whether you wanted her opinion or not. I mean, you never had to wonder what she thought- she offered it for free! It was direct and strong communication.The only time you ever had to worry is if she went quiet. That’s when you really knew you were in trouble.

She loved her food and her dining experiences. Particularly her seafood. God help you if you got in the way of her Moreton bay bugs. She also loved cooking for others and she would spend countless hours cooking for her friends and family. In fact, she loved food so much that even when she came around for dinner, she would insist on ta-pao(a takeaway). We even had durian parties, much to the dismay of my neighbours.

If Jeans was here right now, she would say these things. Life is short and don’t waste your days worrying about things that you cannot change. Invest in the people that have your back. Eat and enjoy. Don’t waste your precious time with the things that don’t matter at the end. Hug the ones you love daily. Tell them you appreciate them. Work hard but play hard too. Enjoy the fruits of your labour.

I will miss our chats Jeans. And your opinions on every given subject matter whether you were asked or not. I will miss our vivid arguments at the dinner table and having to be separated by others because you couldn’t just agree to disagree. And I will will miss your honesty and your genuine caring nature.

So Jeans, as we say in all our legal matters, I will see you again in due course. So, this is not goodbye. It is just a temporary pause in our conversations and arguments. Love you JT. Keep being you up there and look out for all of us down here. Till we meet again…

Nigel

Most friendships last for just a season in our lives and then erode with the passage of time. Jeannie, however, would be the extraordinary deviation from norm as her life intertwined with ours over the course of two decades. We first met during her practical legal placement at Prisoners’ Legal Service. I recall my excitement as I couldn’t wait to tell Phuong that I was supervising a Malaysian student with whom I shared so many commonalities. Our love of food, the occasional breaking out into Singlish, and being a fellow Christian brought joy to my working life.

Several years passed before our paths crossed again when our mutual friend Wong invited Jeans to Clay, a bible study group. I was amazed how small Brisbane was and overjoyed that she would in time become close friends with Phuong. After the dissolution of our bible study group, Phuong and I found ourselves engaged by the busy-ness children would bring to our lives. We would see Jeannie sporadically until one fateful day I met her on the bus home from work. We discussed how jaded we felt with our current employment and theorised the possibility of establishing a general law practice together yet laughed at what a pipe dream that would be. A few years later, Jeannie contacted me on cloud nine over the fact she resigned from the Queensland Ombudsman’s office. By chance, I too resigned around the same time and by God’s grace, it seemed all things aligned. We established our law firm aptly named Clay Lawyers as a nod to where our friendship started all those years ago at a bible study group.

Jeannie’s life truly intersected with mine from professional, to church, to shared friendship circles and more recently to business. She shared a special connection to my wife and more recently with my children. Jeans, I know that you are in heaven and the burdens of your sickness have been wiped clean. You truly are in a better place, but still, I will forever be in shock and deeply saddened by your departure. We were on the verge of growing our fledgling law firm and already enjoying the success of what we had accomplished together. I will miss the banter about work, our cases we had and the laughter we shared at Clay Lawyers. Joseph and I will try to forge ahead in honour of the vision you had for the firm, but Jeans, it just won’t be the same without you. You will be terribly missed.

Phuong

Anyone who knew Jeans can attest to her fun-loving nature and her innate ability to find humour in every situation. Her laughter was a gift that she shared generously, brightening our days and lifting our spirits. Jeans had a rare and beautiful talent for turning ordinary moments into memories of pure joy. I remember a day that encapsulates just who Jeans was perfectly. We decided to enrol in a day-long Napoleon makeup course—something I was keen on, though makeup was never really her thing. But that’s just who she was, always ready to dive into experiences, especially if it meant spending time together.

Despite her not knowing the first thing about makeup, she joined me without hesitation. That day was filled with so much laughter that our cheeks hurt, and it wasn’t from the blush brushes! We giggled through every misplaced eyeshadow and uneven eyeliner. She made what could have been just an ordinary day into an unforgettable one, filled with laughter and learning. It was her gift—turning simple acts into treasured memories. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to spend a whole day doing something that wasn’t her cup of tea, just to be with me, was a testament to the kind of person she was: selfless, supportive, and incredibly generous. Jeannie truly cherished those closest to her like precious gems, and she nurtured them with love, laughter, and sincerity.

Jeans was not just a friend; she was the ultimate concert buddy. She and I, along with our friend Mel, shared countless unforgettable moments together, united by our love for music. Our musical adventures were some of our happiest memories that I will cherish forever. I’ll never forget how Jeans’ eyes lit up whenever we talked about going to another Backstreet Boys concert. Whether it was singing along to one of their songs or talking about our favourite songs, Jeans was in her element. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her energy boundless, and her ability to make the time feel so much more joyful and meaningful —made every moment more special. With Jeans, it didn’t matter what we were listening to; she made every experience a joyous one. Her spirit was carefree, her happiness in those moments pure and infectious.

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In our deep sorrow, Phuong and I find profound comfort in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Although we are afflicted and perplexed by your death, we are assured that eternal life is found through Jesus and we will carry on living our fleeting lives storing treasures in jars of clay for God’s glory. We rejoice in the day we can see you again in heaven.

Love Phuong and Nigel

Anne and I have been blessed to share a bond with Jeannie for over 20 years. She was among the first friends I made upon arriving in Australia, providing much-needed comfort as a fellow Malaysian who shared my cultural background and could converse with me in Cantonese. Jeannie welcomed me with her bright smile and open arms.

We fondly recall Jeannie’s passion for hip-hop dancing, as well as her admiration for singer Wang Lee Hom and actor Louis Koo (affectionately known as Koojai in Cantonese, a nickname that might resonate with those who have corresponded with her via email). Jeannie’s expansive circle of friends was a testament to her magnetic personality; it seemed like everyone knew her. She embodied qualities of beauty, warmth, confidence, kindness, and wit, infusing every gathering with her vibrant spirit. Her presence was felt, and she had a remarkable ability to light up any room with her infectious smile and warm demeanor. Her genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued and cherished.

Jeannie was more than a presence; She was a force of unwavering strength, integrity, courage and resilience. She lived a life filled with purpose and passion. I first encountered Jeannie in true Jeannie fashion at a car meet, and our shared love for cars immediately sparked a connection. There was something uniquely captivating about her—not just her flair for stylish transportation, but her profound love and devotion to God. Jeannie was our “walking Bible,” ever ready to offer guidance and wisdom. Whenever we sought her counsel, she’d humorously inquire, “Do you want the angel Jeannie version, the mischievous Jeannie version, or the practical Jeannie version?” Her intelligence and compassion were boundless, her wisdom transcending her years.

We are deeply grateful for God bringing Jeannie into our lives. Her fervent faith led Von to embrace Christ, and she guided us to our current home church. As young Christians, she would nurture and shepherd us, very patiently answering all our novice questions while lovingly trying her hardest not to roll her eyes at us.

Throughout the years, Jeannie remained a steadfast presence in our lives. Though our meetings grew less frequent, whenever we reunited, it was as if no time had passed. Our conversations were ceaseless, filled with belly laughter and tears and these are the moments we will forever treasure.

Jeannie, thank you for being an extraordinary friend. The memories we’ve created will always be cherished. We love you dearly, and we will miss you so much. This is NOT goodbye. You are not getting rid of us that easily. And just like what we would say to each other at the end of every catch up, we’ll see you soon.

Jeannie, the day God called you home, our hearts shattered …. The mere thought of not hearing your laughter or seeing your radiant smile again is unbearable. Yet, on the morning you left us, God sent a double rainbow three times on my journey to school drop off, a sign, reassuring me that He has embraced you into His loving arms. Thank you for always being there, for listening and for your endless support. We look forward to catching up in heaven, where time knows no bounds, and we can continue to share endless conversations and laughter. Save us a seat, Jeannie. Until we meet again!

Dearest Jeannie

How do I sum up 26 years of friendship? I met Jeannie when we were 17. In the beginning, We spent a lot of time at her place in Wishart playing video games, watching TV shows and movies. She would drive me around because she had her license before me and, she had Will’s cool car. Before long, we entered our twenties and this is when she became the classy girl that we know. Mobile phones had JUST been invented and she was the first one to get the classic Nokia 5110, with her purpley rainbow silver case clipped onto her waist belt. She was so cool.

We would cruise around in Will’s car, music blaring out “I’m a genie in a bottle baby, come come come on and let me out”. We knew all the Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera songs, and their dances too. Jeannie knew how much I liked to sing and dance, just in my room though, then one church event called Multicultural night, She forced me against my will to go up on stage and dance the Nsync Bye Bye Bye dance. Jeannie, I STILL haven’t forgiven you for that. And I never will.

We then entered into our working years, her as a lawyer, and me, the start of a long journey towards medicine. Despite how busy we were or being separated by 50km of M1 Roadworks, she always made the effort to stay in touch, catch up and plan trips to places around the world together.

And every time we caught up, it would be like no time has passed. Just with nicer cars, nicer clothes, and fancier food, but our friendship would always be the same. I’ll miss you, Jeannie.

Now, I’ll leave you with the wise words by Justin Timberlake from Jeannie’s favourite Nsync song:

I’ve loved you forever
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart
This is a battle we’ve won
And with this vow
Forever has now begun
’Til the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you