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Rod Cooper
13 years ago

One evening, when I was a small boy living in Hampton, Victoria, my English mother, Barbara, informed us that she'd given a lift to a delightful English woman who was a professional pianist. They'd hit it off instantly. This turned out to be the beginning of a life-long friendship. Celia gave piano lessons to my brother and sister and would fill the house with her warm and bubbly personality. She'd see me, say "Hello Darling" and give me a huge hug. I remember preparing for the hug by taking an equally huge breath to avoid running out of oxygen during the delightful constricture. As a pianist, Celia was one of the best. In her youth, she played in orchestras under great names like Sir John Barbarolli. Most of the performances I had the pleasure of seeing, however, were her accompaniments of other artists. Her sensitivity to the other player, whether voice or violin, was always evident in her playing, I think that just being around her in those days is one of the reasons I still play an instrument today. Celia had something you wanted to catch. Her wonderful sense of mischief always had us in a state of joyful laughter. I remember the inauguration party she held for her new baby grand was a masterpiece of humour and talented performances. We laughed until it hurt. On behalf of my dear deceased mother (Barbara Redman), thank you, Celia, for sharing with us your giving and joyful heart. May God have a special place for you in the hereafter. Rod Cooper

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The Age
13 years ago

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