To The President, Halina Thompson and The Committee Members of The World League for the Protection of Animals. I am sorry I am unable to attend this very special yet sad occasion to say good bye to a wonderful lady who made such a difference to the world of animals. I have known Joan for 10 years when I joined WLPA as a volunteer looking after abandoned cats in Gladesville and the surrounding area. Joan was always there for the animals we cared for, suggesting what we could do to help, feeding, trapping and de-sexing community cats. She always listened to the volunteers and advised us where necessary. In those early days I learnt so much from her. When I moved from Sydney and decided to set up HappyPaws Haven we kept in touch and she was always there for advice and guidance. HappyPaws Haven has so much to thank Joan for. We also would like to thank Halina Thompson and the World League for the Protection of Animals Committee for their support during our recent battle with the Clarence Valley Council which has enabled us to survive and grow. From time to time WLPA has donated money for food for the animals at HappyPaws Haven, we are very grateful to have had Joan’s and Halina’s support to enable these donations. Just as HappyPaws Haven has had its ups and downs so has WLPA, the survival of this wonderful organisation is due primarily to Joan Papayanni with her husband Cliff who rallied the community, working tirelessly to ensure the World League for the Protection of Animals continued its work saving animals through lobbying Parliament to changes its laws. Joan Papayanni was WLPA president for 20 years and served as vice president up until her death last week. This wonderful woman has certainly made a significant contribution to the lives of all animals especially those that live in this country and will be remembered for this exceptional work without which there would be no WLPA today! Sally Rogers, President, HappyPaws Haven Inc

My kindred spirit, my talk, my song; I thought our Friendship would last forever I was wrong. Stop all the clocks, cut off the phone Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come Her fight to protect the Voiceless is now done