Marianne Odlum’s quiet and unassuming presence in providing service at lunchtimes every Wednesday at Matthew Talbot Hostel for the past 22 years is very much missed by volunteers, residents, guests and staff.

Born in Tasmania on 25 May 1947, Marianne moved with her family to Sydney, where she developed her passion for English literature, having been taught by the renowned Thea Astley at Cheltenham Girls High School.

Marianne met the love of her life in 1975. From that point, Angus and Marianne embarked on a life of adventure, including camping and sailing around Australia as well as many sojourns in Europe, England, Turkey, and Ireland. A lovingly devoted, likeminded, and mutually supportive couple, Marianne and Angus also restored and refurnished heritage houses.

A young relative described Marianne as the “ultimate hippie”. She was proudly alternative, a leftie, a peace-loving humanitarian. Marianne was an environmentalist and a nature lover. She was deeply connected to the bushland home she and Angus shared in Lilli Pilli: to the bush, the trees, birds, possums, fish, the water and the rocks. Marianne believed in treading lightly on this earth; in appreciating nature and enjoying the earth’s wild and natural forms.  She was also very firm and determined in standing up for what was right and fair. Marianne was very concerned about the environment, climate change, peace, marginalisation and disadvantage.

Marianne had a long and varied career in nursing, as a registered nurse, a ward sister, nurse educator and a tutor. On retirement, Marianne wrote that she was drawn towards providing service as a volunteer at Matthew Talbot Hostel by her desire to give back to the community. This she did, typically travelling on public transport, for hours each way up to Woolloomooloo from her beautiful bushland home in Lilli Pilli on the banks of the Port Hacking Estuary.

Despite serious illness, Marianne continued volunteering at Matthew Talbot Hostel right up to the end of her life. A beautiful blue berry ash has been planted as a living memory at her home in Lilli Pilli. We celebrate her life of selfless love, compassion, dedication and commitment to serving those most in need. 

Rest in Peace, Marianne Odlum (1947-2025)