Tanka Kelley

Aunt Tanka, a wonderful aunt and friend. I will never forget you for what you brought into my life. An accidental find on the back of my parent’s wedding photo and a bilingual phone operator brought us together. Our counselling sessions over many years gave us a unique bond. We had similar life stories which connected us further. I visited you in 1986 and again in 1989 with my dad. The love and generosity shown by yourself, uncle Larry, Bob and your beautiful mum will never leave me. Your visit to Australia in 1988 with Bob hold very fond memories for myself and all the Dalipis family. We shared many laughs and tears. Then I met you and Bob in Maui in 1991 later joined by Fay, Tom and extended family. This was the last time we saw each other. We were both hopeful it would not be the last. You never got to meet my son Gregory, and more importantly, he never got to meet you. You embraced Darren from the sense you had that he was a good man. You were right…..again! We will miss you all so very much. Oh, just to go shopping with you one more time. I make a promise to keep in contact with your two men. Bob has been outstanding in taking care of his beloved mother. Your legacy will live on in him. Our most heartfelt condolences to uncle Larry, Bob and George. Maria, Darren and Greg.

A beautiful tribute to a lovely woman who loved Bobby dearly. She treated me like one like a son, she was funny always joking with Bobby. The love they showed to one another is one thing I took away from that holiday, may she Rest In Peace. Tom Dalipis and family.