Barbara Gross

Our much loved and respected colleague, Dr Barbara Gross, died peacefully on Sunday February 28th 1999 after a long battle with cancer. Barbara's was a remarkable life. She was able to combine many roles - scientist, researcher, mother, wife and friend.

As a researcher Barbara had many diverse interests. She had a long standing interest in amenorrhoea and breast feeding dating back to 1976. From 1989 to 1996 she was the principle investigator of a world health multi-centred study of lactational amenorrhoea in relation to breast feeding practices. Barbara is also well known for her work in menopause and from 1983-1995 was the Scientific Director of the menopause research department of clinical endocrinology at Westmead Hospital.

In 1995 she was then "head hunted" by Dr Barry Wren to work in our unit at the Royal Hospital for Women. She also had along association with the natural family planning movement and between 1991 - 1996 she was the principle investigator of a world health multi-centred study elevating home ovarian monitoring.

In more recent years her focus has been on menopause. She has been a committee member of the Australasian Menopause Society Executive since 1995 and an Executive Committee member and education officer of the Amarant National Menopause Foundation since 1996. Barbara published over seventy first class publications covering such diverse topics as lactational
amenorrhoea, ovarian monitoring, hormone replacement therapy, natural family planning and quality of life after cancer.

The last few years her health declined as she faced a serious heart complaint and then two cancers. Her faith and her determination facing these health crises have been a source of inspiration for us all. Barbara was honoured in 1998 by the Royal Hospital for Women with the establishment of the Barbara Gross Research Unit.

Barbara's remarkable life was underlined at her funeral. St Keiran's Church, Manly Vale was full to overflowing. As expected Barbara had organised her own final mass. Certainly there was sadness but there was also joy at the celebration of such a remarkable life. It was very apparent to all who attended the mass that Barbara has left behind a beautiful and talented family. From her children we were presented with songs, poems and a most beautiful and eloquent eulogy.

To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson -

"To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,
Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived,
This is to have succeeded."