Ngaire Anderson

Ngaire Anderson (née Robinson) was born on 21 February 1936 in Sydney, to parents Elsie Robinson (née Pomfrey) & John James Robinson (“nickname JJ”).

Her father JJ, was born in 1885 in Dunedin, NZ and was an Anzac veteran, a light horseman, who, in fact, was involved in both the Gallipoli and Lone Pine campaigns.  Incredibly, he was the ripe old age of 51 when Ngaire was born.   Ngaire, a quiet, reserved woman, never talked much about her childhood and there are aspects of it that we astonishingly simply don’t know.   She was one who in many ways protected her own sense of privacy and her own sense of self.  The many questions we’re asking ourselves today about Ngaire’s younger years are the questions we wished we’d asked a hundred times previously. But that’s ok, a little bit of mystery made her even more special.  

But here’s what we do know.   She went to school at Maroubra Junction, and with friends, she would happily slide down the sandhills near the beach on a cardboard sled before houses were built there.  And yes, she was one of many excited young women who “just had to” go to the airport to see The Beatles land at Mascot.  She had a sense of adventure about her.  

In March of 1957, she married the love of her life, Gordon (nickname Gordy) Anderson at St Johns Church in Maroubra.  They had first met at a dance hall, and what a dashing young couple they made.  This was truly a love story for the ages.  They adored each other and looked after each other, truly epitomising what marriage is all about.  It was a marriage that definitely stood the test of time, 59 years in fact, through good times and hard times, through joy and sorrow, they were always there for each other, but also there for all of us in the extended family.  

Gordy passed away in 2016 from Motor Neurone Disease, and in doing so, left Ngaire deeply saddened by the loss of her soul mate, but appreciative of the wonderful 59 years they had together. Ngaire enjoyed travelling to different places with Gordy, including America, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast and Magnetic Island.  She loved barbecue’s in the backyard and definitely enjoyed a glass or two of wine.  

Ngaire lived in Maroubra all her life and had three children with Gordy, (a son, Peter born in 1958, a daughter Robyn, born in 1960, as well as a third child, a daughter named Gaye, who tragically passed away from heart disease in June of 1972. Gaye was only four years of age when she died.   

There were many milestone occasions and special moments including her daughter Robyn’s marriage in November 1984.  I still remember going shopping with Ngaire for not only my wedding dress, but for Ngaire’s outfit as well.  It was the closest of relationships, just as it was for every other member of my family.  We all had our special relationship with her, and that included the grandchildren. Over the years, Ngaire, along with Gordy, became devoted grandparents to Simone and Nicholas, (born in 1990 & 1993 respectively). Both kids loved their special nanna and always will.  

It was not long after Gordy’s death that the first signs of dementia began to become evident with Ngaire.  What followed was a long and protracted battle with this cruel disease that eventually necessitated Ngaire’s move into permanent aged care in 2021. The aged care facility was located on the shores of Lake Macquarie so that she was close to family living in that area. As Ngaire’s condition continued to deteriorate, she didn’t get to meet her “great grandchild” a gorgeous little girl named Willow, born in October of 2024.  When Willow is old enough, we look forward to sharing with her all the wonderful things about her great grandma and showing her photos.   

Ngaire passed away on the 6th November 2025.   She was truly a great lady, a wonderful wife, terrific mother, beautiful grandmother, and great grandmother.  We will remember her kindness, her sense of family, her wisdom, and her laugh which always made everyone else smile.   She will be very much missed and remembered and will always remain forever in our hearts.