Clover Beckford Saunders
Coventry, Warwickshire, England * Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Clover Beckford Saunders
Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.
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Eve, Saul and Roman
Obituary
Clover Marie Beckford Saunders, née Beckford, passed away on 13th November 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
She was born at the Gulson Road Hospital, Coventry in England to Canute (Ken) Beckford and Esther Beckford on the 5th June 1965.
Clover was one of the first African-Caribbean British students admitted to the Blue Coat Church of England School in Coventry. In 1987, she was the first in her family to graduate and did so with a Batchelor of Art (Honours) in Textile Design and Photography from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, which is part of the University of Dundee, Scotland.
Subsequently, Clover moved to London and worked for Comic Relief in its early days for six years, initially as the receptionist and eventually the Sponsorship Coordinator, (where she was) responsible for securing donations of over $1 million to help ensure that 100% of donations from Red Nose Day went to the cause.
Clover loved art and saved all her money to purchase up-and-coming artists including the Brazilian Ana Maria Pacheco and the Portuguese Paula Rego. In 2021 Paula Rego had a major retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain.
In 1995 Clover moved to Australia with her partner, James Beckford Saunders, né James Saunders, and they both worked at Community Aid Abroad/Oxfam Australia in Fitzroy. Initially, she was the Walk Against Want Coordinator for Victoria but was promoted to Team Leader for the Victorian Office. In 1997 she conceived, planned and ran 'Taste In Art', an innovative fundraiser framed under the strapline 'Discover the next Brett Whitley ...' Whitely is a well-known Australian artist. Clover engaged Australia's top art critics, curators and media personalities to select their favourite up and coming artist. The chosen artist was then invited to donate one of their artworks to be auctioned by Sotheby's, with 100% going to CAA/Oxfam Australia. It was a great success and many of the artists are now well known. Some of the selected pictures are now in major state-based art galleries in Australia, as well as at Parliament House, Canberra.
From early 1998 Clover travelled to Aotearoa New Zealand (where she picked up her Permanent Resident Visa), Indonesia, Thailand and Lao. In Sumatra Clover was particularly engaged by the weaving, particularly the double ikat, which is the most difficult to make as both the warp and the weft are resist-dyed prior to weaving.
On returning to England, Clover and James married on 4 September 1999 at Holy Trinity Church, which is adjacent to both the old and new Coventry Cathedrals. Afterwards they lived above a newspaper shop at 100 Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove.
On 10 February 2001 (a rare palindromic day), Clover migrated to Australia and worked firstly as Marketing Manager for Arts Projects Australia, and then as the Curator of the Daffodil Day Awards for Cancer Council Victoria.
Clover naturally adapted to motherhood, with Eve being born in 2003, Saul in 2006 and Roman in 2008. She gave them her all and was an incredible mum at the family home in Lisson Grove, Hawthorn. Embarking on the incredible journey of motherhood enabled Clover to draw deeply on other aspects of herself that were emergent, creative and vulnerable. She would later reflect that motherhood was the single most important role that was ever bestowed on her.
After completing her Masters in Art Curatorship at the University of Melbourne in 2010, Clover moved on to a PhD on University Museums. The focus for this changed with time but she made an insightful breakthrough when she developed a parallel timeframe between the development of University Museums and the growth of slavery and colonisation, particularly by England and its colonies. Unfortunately, this approach was seen as threatening by some well-known members in the industry, as it was years before Black Lives Matters and the call for museums to return objects that had been stolen, looted or taken with the threat of violence. But Clover persisted and was near completion of her PhD when she died.
Clover and James separated in 2014 and moved to separate houses in Coburg North and Coburg, just a 15-minute walk apart along the Merri Creek. Although they always co-parented, over the last five years they reestablished a friendship of sorts. At times it was tricky, but it was valuable for its depth. Both said the other 'was my greatest teacher'.
Roman, Saul and Eve were incredible throughout Clover’s journey with cancer over what was nearly five years, but particularly over this last period. Their strength, resilience, compassion and ability to face the most incredible pain of losing their mum squarely and presently, is a testament to Clover and the love she poured into them. Clover found them remarkable individuals, who were endlessly interesting, kind and compassionate. It is clear that they all have her sharp, yet gentle wit and desire to truly and deeply engage in life.
Clover was preceded in death by her sister Sharon who died in 2012. She is survived by her children, Eve, Saul and Roman, her siblings Verna, Judith and Anthony and her parents, Ken and Esther Beckford.
Recording of the Live Streamed Memorial Service
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November 28, 2024
Such a beautiful memorial to a loving mum, sister, daughter and friend. Thank you for sharing today with us.
I first met Clover and James in 1995 when I volunteered on the Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want. Clover was my welcoming, nurturing boss who instilled a deep commitment to social justice in me and set me off on a career in the not-for-profit sector. I took Clover and James home to introduce to my migrant English family and they became a part of our social network.
Life circumstances meant we lost touch for a time but Clover and I reconnected a few years ago, and I am so grateful for the chance for some more deep chats, belly laughs, and to hear some of that unique Clover wisdom.
Kind, compassionate, whip smart, funny, and a beautiful, deep thinking, spiritual soul. You will be missed, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be connected. My love and thoughts with you, your family and all the friends who loved and admired you.
You will remain in my heart.
Rachel
I first met Clover and James in 1995 when I volunteered on the Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want. Clover was my welcoming, nurturing boss who instilled a deep commitment to social justice in me and set me off on a career in the not-for-profit sector. I took Clover and James home to introduce to my migrant English family and they became a part of our social network.
Life circumstances meant we lost touch for a time but Clover and I reconnected a few years ago, and I am so grateful for the chance for some more deep chats, belly laughs, and to hear some of that unique Clover wisdom.
Kind, compassionate, whip smart, funny, and a beautiful, deep thinking, spiritual soul. You will be missed, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be connected. My love and thoughts with you, your family and all the friends who loved and admired you.
You will remain in my heart.
Rachel
November 28, 2024
What a beautiful service. Thank you to all of Clover's family and friends for your contributions.
And thank you Clover for coming into our lives, sharing your love and light with us and making us better, happier and more whole.
Much love, Justin
And thank you Clover for coming into our lives, sharing your love and light with us and making us better, happier and more whole.
Much love, Justin
November 28, 2024
I was introduced to Clover through James, whom I had the pleasure to work with for 18 months. Over this time I got to know Clover through him, being careful not to probe the the acutely felt love and pain, an observed dynamic intertwined.in lifeforce itself. Do we quietly marvel the woody sticks of a rose bush, providing stability for remarkable regeneration year after year, for the emergent of the new? The season of its colour, is the time for hope, a coarsely woven fabric only the ancients knew how to weave by hand without looking. Clover and I connected over a quiet pause in a conversation, that came from the quiet understanding that her PhD in museums exposing the slavery system, displaying artefacts as trophies, is derived from the same people hoarding medical knowledge locked up in IP and research sitting on shelves gathering dust. Our ancestors
knew about disease as a metabolic syndrome just as they knew how to weave without looking. In this moment of realisation Clover and I bonded, as mothers, women, allies, truth slayers. Healing is akin to weaving fabric, each thread, is part of a complex system, holding the fabric of life together. Together, our family, friendships, community are the living system, and in this we are liberated to go forward with purpose and fierce compassion. Go forth in this world Eve, Saul and Roman, your devine mother protects you like clover protects the soil, and holds therapeutic powers, your beautiful mother gave you the gift of wisdom, knowledge and love. It is so big and great, it can hurt yet through time, this hurt, like the ugly woody sticks of a rose bush will find its rightful place and be in magnificent bloom. You are blessed beyond your years to hold humanity within you. Much love and sincere condolences to you James, Eve, Saul and Roman, Cath Stace
knew about disease as a metabolic syndrome just as they knew how to weave without looking. In this moment of realisation Clover and I bonded, as mothers, women, allies, truth slayers. Healing is akin to weaving fabric, each thread, is part of a complex system, holding the fabric of life together. Together, our family, friendships, community are the living system, and in this we are liberated to go forward with purpose and fierce compassion. Go forth in this world Eve, Saul and Roman, your devine mother protects you like clover protects the soil, and holds therapeutic powers, your beautiful mother gave you the gift of wisdom, knowledge and love. It is so big and great, it can hurt yet through time, this hurt, like the ugly woody sticks of a rose bush will find its rightful place and be in magnificent bloom. You are blessed beyond your years to hold humanity within you. Much love and sincere condolences to you James, Eve, Saul and Roman, Cath Stace
November 28, 2024
Clover… warm, welcoming and always smiling… Such a big genuine smile. It was an honour to know her and spend time with her.
We will all continue to feel her presence in this world through the wonders that are her (and James’) children.
Claire … a friend of James & Clover from the UK
We will all continue to feel her presence in this world through the wonders that are her (and James’) children.
Claire … a friend of James & Clover from the UK
November 28, 2024
Clover was (is) my cousin.
Growing up I spent lots of time at Uncle Ken’s and Aunty Ester’s.
(Uncle Ken is my mother’s brother.)
I experienced first hand and so many times Clover’s amazing smile, her warmth, her energy, passion for adventure and fabulous creativity.
When I last met up with her when she came over with Eve, Saul and Roman a few years ago although we’d not met for decades I was met with that same warmth and amazing smile.
She’s gone ahead now and is now reunited with Cousin Sharon. When my time comes I know she’ll be to greet me with that amazing smile and warmth.
Growing up I spent lots of time at Uncle Ken’s and Aunty Ester’s.
(Uncle Ken is my mother’s brother.)
I experienced first hand and so many times Clover’s amazing smile, her warmth, her energy, passion for adventure and fabulous creativity.
When I last met up with her when she came over with Eve, Saul and Roman a few years ago although we’d not met for decades I was met with that same warmth and amazing smile.
She’s gone ahead now and is now reunited with Cousin Sharon. When my time comes I know she’ll be to greet me with that amazing smile and warmth.
November 28, 2024
I met Clover through our regular online open heart meditation and morning "zen in ten"sessions where she was a regular attendee for the last couple of years She adored the deep connection to God/Source she felt through the open heart and shared openly about how amazing it made her feel, and how loved and held she felt. Others commented on how very gentle, open and genuine she was with a beautiful smile and heart that always seemed to be radiating..
November 28, 2024
I met Clover (and James) with my husband Nate when we all worked at Community Abroad in George Street Fitzroy in 1996!! Fun times back then! We also went to James and Clover's wedding in Coventry as we had moved to Oxford, UK whilst I was was studying and Nate working for Oxfam UK.
We had our children at similar times and so when all our kids were little, back in Melbourne, there were many social kiddie visits and visits where Clover and I would endlessly chitty-chat about our changed roles as mums with kids, and what that meant to each of us, especially as were were stay-at-home mums at the time.
Clover was fun and had some spunk!! We shared very similar values. I loved the way we dropped so easily into heart-centred conversation about the things that mattered to us, and in the very next breath we were rolling laughing about something ridiculous!!
I treasure our friendship over the years and feel really sad that it got away from us and life took over as more years went by. I regret not finding our way back to the path we had both shared for many years, but I feel your love as I write this and am grateful for all the many times we hung out and enjoyed each other pre and post kids. I have missed you for a while already Clover. X`
Yvonne
We had our children at similar times and so when all our kids were little, back in Melbourne, there were many social kiddie visits and visits where Clover and I would endlessly chitty-chat about our changed roles as mums with kids, and what that meant to each of us, especially as were were stay-at-home mums at the time.
Clover was fun and had some spunk!! We shared very similar values. I loved the way we dropped so easily into heart-centred conversation about the things that mattered to us, and in the very next breath we were rolling laughing about something ridiculous!!
I treasure our friendship over the years and feel really sad that it got away from us and life took over as more years went by. I regret not finding our way back to the path we had both shared for many years, but I feel your love as I write this and am grateful for all the many times we hung out and enjoyed each other pre and post kids. I have missed you for a while already Clover. X`
Yvonne
November 28, 2024
Clover came into my life when I had only recently moved to Melbourne. To meet a fellow English woman then was always welcome. Someone who I could share cultural references with was always an instant connection. But with clover there was also a deeper connection with a love of art, social causes and definitely a shared very cheeky sense of humour. It will forever pain me that we drifted apart. Not through anything other than life getting in the way. A painful wake up call that life is precious and fleeting. I miss you my lovely friend x
November 27, 2024
Your neighbour is there for a cup of sugar when you’re 100g off a cake recipe, or a jug of milk for your tea when the last of yours has gone bad. But my neighbour Clover was so much more.
As a tiny child I would tiptoe barefoot across the pine needles. Look left, look right and look left again to cross the stony road. Clover would always warn me of how the cars drive so quickly up our street.
Safety meant reaching the towering thick horizontal panelled brown fence. I’d jump to peek through the cracks and check if anyone was around.
I’d ring the doorbell in anticipation knowing the first thing Clover would do is offer me a pair of shoes which I stubbornly would insist I didn’t need.
My neighbour Clover was one of the most caring, gentle, loving, intelligent, and hard working women in my life. It is such a privilege to be able to say she was such a crucial part of my childhood.
She was always ready to shower my mum, my sister and I with love, magic, belly laughs and the best cups of tea you will ever have made for you in your life. Usually with the most delicious homemade Anzac biscuit of all time.
As a kid I always knew my neighbour Clover was family.
She was the thread sewing people together creating community along the street, at school, and down the main shopping strip.
As a kid I never quite grasped the extent of the incredible achievements of her work because to me she was just my neighbour Clover. I like to imagine the engaging and passionate conversation we would have over a cuppa nowadays, soaking up the joy of connection.
Her love and care for her children, her family, her exchange students and community was boundless.
The friendship I watched between Clover and my mum over the years is one of the most important friendships a young child could aspire to have. They taught me so much about the importance of chosen family and how life is ten times better when shared with loved ones.
Every time I cross the road now I think of her hand reaching out in front of me on the curb, making sure I was safe to cross the road back home.
So much love to Eve, Saul and Roman. Our childhoods were so intertwined and I look forward to reminiscing with you three in the years to come keeping Clover in our hearts and in our lives forever.
Number 10
Xx
As a tiny child I would tiptoe barefoot across the pine needles. Look left, look right and look left again to cross the stony road. Clover would always warn me of how the cars drive so quickly up our street.
Safety meant reaching the towering thick horizontal panelled brown fence. I’d jump to peek through the cracks and check if anyone was around.
I’d ring the doorbell in anticipation knowing the first thing Clover would do is offer me a pair of shoes which I stubbornly would insist I didn’t need.
My neighbour Clover was one of the most caring, gentle, loving, intelligent, and hard working women in my life. It is such a privilege to be able to say she was such a crucial part of my childhood.
She was always ready to shower my mum, my sister and I with love, magic, belly laughs and the best cups of tea you will ever have made for you in your life. Usually with the most delicious homemade Anzac biscuit of all time.
As a kid I always knew my neighbour Clover was family.
She was the thread sewing people together creating community along the street, at school, and down the main shopping strip.
As a kid I never quite grasped the extent of the incredible achievements of her work because to me she was just my neighbour Clover. I like to imagine the engaging and passionate conversation we would have over a cuppa nowadays, soaking up the joy of connection.
Her love and care for her children, her family, her exchange students and community was boundless.
The friendship I watched between Clover and my mum over the years is one of the most important friendships a young child could aspire to have. They taught me so much about the importance of chosen family and how life is ten times better when shared with loved ones.
Every time I cross the road now I think of her hand reaching out in front of me on the curb, making sure I was safe to cross the road back home.
So much love to Eve, Saul and Roman. Our childhoods were so intertwined and I look forward to reminiscing with you three in the years to come keeping Clover in our hearts and in our lives forever.
Number 10
Xx
November 26, 2024
Clover and the whole family welcomed me to the Beckford-Saunders house with openness, kindness, and warmth - characteristics so strongly instilled in Eve, Roman and Saul who I remember so fondly. I don't think I've ever enjoyed spending time with 3 siblings as much as I enjoyed the company of Eve & Saul & Roman - witnessing their humour, integrity, wit and curiosity for everything around them, and their hilarity! A true testament to Clover.
As a young adult still discovering everything, Clover shared her advice, and knowledge and stories with me during the time I spent in the house in Hawthorn, which was impactful in ways I didn't yet recognise at 18.
I'm not sure I ever made clear my gratitude to Clover, and the family for the experience they gifted me, which was incredibly special and unforgettable. So thank you - Clover - and James, Eve, Saul & Roman, for allowing me into the wonderful chaos all those years ago!
I will always remember our tea & toast afternoons, and visits to the pool, and the giant bookshelf that spanned a whole wall - inspiring my own search for the most impressive bookshelf possible.
Thank you Clover for creating a thoughtful and open atmosphere.
Thank you Eve, Saul & Roman for being so amazing - you will always be the most interesting children I have ever met. I am so glad that you have each other at this time.
Clover's unique impact will always be remembered, and will continue to flourish and shine through Eve, Saul & Roman.
Sending all my love, hilarious happy memories, and strength to you all now.
Paige, of Toast Mountain
As a young adult still discovering everything, Clover shared her advice, and knowledge and stories with me during the time I spent in the house in Hawthorn, which was impactful in ways I didn't yet recognise at 18.
I'm not sure I ever made clear my gratitude to Clover, and the family for the experience they gifted me, which was incredibly special and unforgettable. So thank you - Clover - and James, Eve, Saul & Roman, for allowing me into the wonderful chaos all those years ago!
I will always remember our tea & toast afternoons, and visits to the pool, and the giant bookshelf that spanned a whole wall - inspiring my own search for the most impressive bookshelf possible.
Thank you Clover for creating a thoughtful and open atmosphere.
Thank you Eve, Saul & Roman for being so amazing - you will always be the most interesting children I have ever met. I am so glad that you have each other at this time.
Clover's unique impact will always be remembered, and will continue to flourish and shine through Eve, Saul & Roman.
Sending all my love, hilarious happy memories, and strength to you all now.
Paige, of Toast Mountain
November 25, 2024
Clover was a wonderful, beautiful woman both inside and out. She touched the lives of so many people and her legacy and memory will live on.
Our heartfelt condolences to her children in Australia, Clover's parents, siblings, and extended family in England.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time🙏🏾..
Gwendolyn and Leonie Daley xx
(Coventry, England)
Our heartfelt condolences to her children in Australia, Clover's parents, siblings, and extended family in England.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time🙏🏾..
Gwendolyn and Leonie Daley xx
(Coventry, England)
November 25, 2024
Aunty Clover was truly a beautiful force of nature. Her smile and laughter had a magical way of lighting up any room, filling it with warmth and joy. To me, Aunty Clover reminds me of the sun on a perfect day—shining brightly, bringing comfort and love to everyone she touched. She had an incredible way of making you feel safe, loved, and embraced.
She was the sunshine of our family, a constant source of light and warmth with a laugh so infectious. Her spirit lives on in every one of us—in the memories we hold close and in the stories we share.
In the past week, I watched as Dad, Aunty Verna, and Aunty Judith shared laughter through their tears, reminiscing about the funny and joyful times they spent with her. This is a testament to the lasting impact Aunty Clover has on all of us, reminding us that her presence is still here—in our love for one another, in our moments of joy and in her children.
She was the sunshine of our family, a constant source of light and warmth with a laugh so infectious. Her spirit lives on in every one of us—in the memories we hold close and in the stories we share.
In the past week, I watched as Dad, Aunty Verna, and Aunty Judith shared laughter through their tears, reminiscing about the funny and joyful times they spent with her. This is a testament to the lasting impact Aunty Clover has on all of us, reminding us that her presence is still here—in our love for one another, in our moments of joy and in her children.
November 24, 2024
Clover was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. She was simply the best. She made the world a better place, and it was a privilege to know her. Seeing her again on my and Nathan’s wedding day was a highlight that day and a treasured memory. Thank you, for everything. Rest in peace.
November 23, 2024
My beautiful friend Clover! That's how I've always thought of you .
I met Clover about 17/18 years ago at Hawthorn West Uniting church playgroup. I was scouting for new participants for the Music Therapy program that Rev Ron Rosinsky and I had begun at St David's, ( now Habitat) U,C. Canterbury. Eve was 3or 4, and careering around on a toy train in the hall. Roman & Saul were still beautiful twinkles in their Mum's eyes! I was the Pastoral Coordinator of the program. Rev Alex Sangster was newly inducted as the Minister of our church. As well as providing a creative and beautiful space for preschoolers and parents with an amazing Creative Arts Therapist, Pam Hellema, our aim was to build a supportive network for parents. Clover embraced this totally. The Beckford- Saunders became a much loved part of our faith community. You became a very dear friend to me, and to my family, Peter, Lachlan and Tristan, not forgetting my parents, Betty and Wal Lane. They loved you.
Beautiful Clover. You shine inside and out, How will I ever forget your distinctive accent.... exclamation..."Oh Really!!..... your laugh... or you saying, "O my Giddy Aunt!"
In our all too short time in this life we have shared many conversations over hundreds of cups of tea. You have had a rich interior landscape from which to draw from. Exploring this and being nourished by your spiritual life has been crucially important. Our friendship is a precious thing. You trusted me with crucial life- changing events.
Courage you do not lack! You mothered your beautiful children with total devotion imbuing them with your compassion, sensitivity, and strength of purpose. They are fine young people.
I am so grateful for the last time we had together. I will miss you my friend. I know your spirit will always be with those you love, and those who love you. Darling Clover. Fly high my friend.
Ruthie
I met Clover about 17/18 years ago at Hawthorn West Uniting church playgroup. I was scouting for new participants for the Music Therapy program that Rev Ron Rosinsky and I had begun at St David's, ( now Habitat) U,C. Canterbury. Eve was 3or 4, and careering around on a toy train in the hall. Roman & Saul were still beautiful twinkles in their Mum's eyes! I was the Pastoral Coordinator of the program. Rev Alex Sangster was newly inducted as the Minister of our church. As well as providing a creative and beautiful space for preschoolers and parents with an amazing Creative Arts Therapist, Pam Hellema, our aim was to build a supportive network for parents. Clover embraced this totally. The Beckford- Saunders became a much loved part of our faith community. You became a very dear friend to me, and to my family, Peter, Lachlan and Tristan, not forgetting my parents, Betty and Wal Lane. They loved you.
Beautiful Clover. You shine inside and out, How will I ever forget your distinctive accent.... exclamation..."Oh Really!!..... your laugh... or you saying, "O my Giddy Aunt!"
In our all too short time in this life we have shared many conversations over hundreds of cups of tea. You have had a rich interior landscape from which to draw from. Exploring this and being nourished by your spiritual life has been crucially important. Our friendship is a precious thing. You trusted me with crucial life- changing events.
Courage you do not lack! You mothered your beautiful children with total devotion imbuing them with your compassion, sensitivity, and strength of purpose. They are fine young people.
I am so grateful for the last time we had together. I will miss you my friend. I know your spirit will always be with those you love, and those who love you. Darling Clover. Fly high my friend.
Ruthie
November 23, 2024
Clover 🕊️ has taken her angel’s wings far too soon, her contribution to so much in life will not be forgotten and lives on in her memory.
Deepest condolence's to her children in Australia, her parents and siblings in England, prayers up and love to you all in this difficult time.
Del & Sheena Daley (Coventry, England)
Deepest condolence's to her children in Australia, her parents and siblings in England, prayers up and love to you all in this difficult time.
Del & Sheena Daley (Coventry, England)
November 23, 2024
Clover was a wonderful person who brought a sparkle to everyone's life who met her.
Our family will especially remember her mischievous sense of humour and her love of delicious puddings!
Her great big smile made her shine like a star. She will be sadly missed by us all.
The Mann Family
Our family will especially remember her mischievous sense of humour and her love of delicious puddings!
Her great big smile made her shine like a star. She will be sadly missed by us all.
The Mann Family
November 22, 2024
I only got to know Clover a little bit recently… courtside at Flynn and Saul’s basketball 🏀
I wish I’d read her extremely impressive resume years ago.
I had no idea of how deep her knowledge was, and how huge her heart.
A true All Star ⭐️
I’m sure we would have become friends.
And that I will think of her often.
Philip
Flynn
Moira
I wish I’d read her extremely impressive resume years ago.
I had no idea of how deep her knowledge was, and how huge her heart.
A true All Star ⭐️
I’m sure we would have become friends.
And that I will think of her often.
Philip
Flynn
Moira
November 22, 2024
I was honoured to be with Clover to share in a very relaxed non-faith/interfaith prayer circle that we made with another friend; we occasionally would sit on a hill under some trees together,with a couple of other people and listen and reflect back loving words of prayer to each other. I fell in love with Clover when in our first circle, after a few minutes of silent “being”, she calmly stated that she wanted to share her sense of ambivalence about the death of Queen Elizabeth. As the death was in some sense the end of one of the most pervasive symbols of colonial white supremacy, she expressed that a death in the royal family, sad as it was on a personal level, would be well balanced by the acknowledgement of the royal role as the head of an institution that had historically perpetuated and supported violence towards others, trashing other people’s cultures and invalidating others spiritual meanings. So we celebrated the end of the Queen and prayed for future institutions that allow and do not violate. 🕊️
Clover knew about racial injustice, about women’s suffering, about the trauma of displacement, and she spoke of creative ventures she wanted to make happen that would challenge and heal, and how much she felt, increasingly, an alliance with black women in Australia. Some of this, she said could be expressed through sitting with others, especially in weaving with others. This idea brought her immense ease, she said, a sense of homecoming, to her African heart, and to connection with Australia, and she mentioned it often over the last year and a half and how much she wanted it.
Clover loved. In all exchanges Clover was so present that she shattered small talk. She showed me how to reflect on mothering and to love as a wise mother; fierce, committed, to remember my value to my children. Her exceptionally beautiful Eve, Saul and Roman were always at the tenderest heart of her conversations and her wish that they be strong and feel their worth and know her love always. It was always paramount and clear that Eve Saul and Roman were all well and thriving, she held each of them, separately and together, each a mysterious and beautiful world held in her loving arms, filling her and fascinating her and making her laugh.
I offer my loving support to her family now. ❤️
Clover was and is one of the brightest stars I have met; her strong passionate heart. It beats on in me now and I imagine the many others who were graced by her friendship. 💚💚🍃🌳
Clover knew about racial injustice, about women’s suffering, about the trauma of displacement, and she spoke of creative ventures she wanted to make happen that would challenge and heal, and how much she felt, increasingly, an alliance with black women in Australia. Some of this, she said could be expressed through sitting with others, especially in weaving with others. This idea brought her immense ease, she said, a sense of homecoming, to her African heart, and to connection with Australia, and she mentioned it often over the last year and a half and how much she wanted it.
Clover loved. In all exchanges Clover was so present that she shattered small talk. She showed me how to reflect on mothering and to love as a wise mother; fierce, committed, to remember my value to my children. Her exceptionally beautiful Eve, Saul and Roman were always at the tenderest heart of her conversations and her wish that they be strong and feel their worth and know her love always. It was always paramount and clear that Eve Saul and Roman were all well and thriving, she held each of them, separately and together, each a mysterious and beautiful world held in her loving arms, filling her and fascinating her and making her laugh.
I offer my loving support to her family now. ❤️
Clover was and is one of the brightest stars I have met; her strong passionate heart. It beats on in me now and I imagine the many others who were graced by her friendship. 💚💚🍃🌳
November 22, 2024
Clover made my life richer; she always spoke about what really matters and could cut to the chase, ignoring all the usual parlance of social expectations. Her gorgeous deep laugh will stay with me always, and she will live on forever in my mind. Meet the light my friend.
November 22, 2024
Clover was one of the most supportive woman I’ve ever met. She was always so genuinely interested and happy for what I was doing in life. She was such a bright light to everyone she came across.
November 21, 2024
Clover was a remarkable woman. Intelligent, poised, considered and graceful and she taught me something every time I had the privilege to share her company. The Christmas table will not be the same without her this year. Love and light to you all xxx
Donate to ANKA - Clover's choice
A$ 1,160
Raised by 10 people
In honor of our beloved Clover, we invite you to contribute to the Arnhem, Northern and Kimberley Artists (ANKA) Aboriginal Corporation, a cause that was near and dear to her heart.
From when Clover arrived in Australia in 1995, she felt a strong connection and affinity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, who she recognised as the traditional custodians of the land on which she lived and worked. She saw parallels of their history of colonisation, with her own ancestors who were enslaved and taken from Africa to Jamaica, before her immediate family migrated to Coventry in England. She connected well with women, and particularly First Nations women who weaved.
ANKA was an organisation that she was engaged with and hoped to visit one day. She was weaving again just before she died.
ANKA is the peak support and advocacy body for Aboriginal artists and Aboriginal-owned community Art Centres spread across over one million square kilometres of country in the Top End of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. A not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation governed by an all Aboriginal board, ANKA has had a strong grassroots membership since 1987 delivering targeted services to it’s members for over 30 years.
Today ANKA supports over 5,000 artists working individually and through 47 remote community Art Centres. ANKA regions of the tropical north include over 50 Indigenous language groups and a number of Australia’s most inaccessible Art Centres. Many members are nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
ANKA works on behalf of its members to promote, resource, educate and protect the work of Indigenous artists and Art Centres. Every dollar donated directly helps to keep art, country and culture strong.
We will be collecting donations and will forward on whatever we receive directly to ANKA. We have contacted ANKA and they are happy with this approach as they currently do not have a facility to collect donations. For further information see - https://anka.org.au/about/anka-program/
If you choose to donate, your generous gift will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Clover by supporting a meaningful cause. Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Clover embodied throughout her life.
From when Clover arrived in Australia in 1995, she felt a strong connection and affinity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, who she recognised as the traditional custodians of the land on which she lived and worked. She saw parallels of their history of colonisation, with her own ancestors who were enslaved and taken from Africa to Jamaica, before her immediate family migrated to Coventry in England. She connected well with women, and particularly First Nations women who weaved.
ANKA was an organisation that she was engaged with and hoped to visit one day. She was weaving again just before she died.
ANKA is the peak support and advocacy body for Aboriginal artists and Aboriginal-owned community Art Centres spread across over one million square kilometres of country in the Top End of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. A not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation governed by an all Aboriginal board, ANKA has had a strong grassroots membership since 1987 delivering targeted services to it’s members for over 30 years.
Today ANKA supports over 5,000 artists working individually and through 47 remote community Art Centres. ANKA regions of the tropical north include over 50 Indigenous language groups and a number of Australia’s most inaccessible Art Centres. Many members are nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
ANKA works on behalf of its members to promote, resource, educate and protect the work of Indigenous artists and Art Centres. Every dollar donated directly helps to keep art, country and culture strong.
We will be collecting donations and will forward on whatever we receive directly to ANKA. We have contacted ANKA and they are happy with this approach as they currently do not have a facility to collect donations. For further information see - https://anka.org.au/about/anka-program/
If you choose to donate, your generous gift will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Clover by supporting a meaningful cause. Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Clover embodied throughout her life.
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