Funeral Events

Funeral Location

No Funeral Location Found

Funeral Date & Time

No Funeral Date & Time Found

Funeral Events

Funeral Location

No Funeral Location Found

Funeral Date & Time

No Funeral Date & Time Found

Grave Details

Watch the funeral video

Grave Location

Fawkner Cemetery – Bass AH Grave 108

Grave Location Map

Life Story

CLAIRE NANCY HALLETT (known as Nancy or Nance)

24th January 1927 – 8th October 2017

Claire Nancy Kelly was born on 24th January 1927 in her grandmother’s home in Richmond, Victoria. The eldest child and daughter of four children to Gerard Augustine Kelly who worked as a shunter and then whistle/flag signalman at Victorian Railways and his wife Sarah Mary Ivy O’Neill. Claire’s younger siblings were, Dorothea Florence Mary Therese Kelly who married Desmond Lynch, Kevin Gerard Kelly who married Eileen Doyle and Joan Margaret Kelly who married Kenneth Powell.

Mum attended St Ignatius Catholic Primary School in Church St, Richmond and completed her studies at Form 4. Upon leaving school, Claire attended Stott’s Business College to study Typing, Shorthand and Bookkeeping. Her first job was at Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd in South Yarra and was employed as the Administration & Pay Mistress where she was able to utilize the skills that she had learnt. She also worked as the Night Ticket Sales at the Melbourne Glacierium Ice Skate Rink in Southbank. Her other work included working in Ticket Box Sales & as an Usherette at Cinema Richmond. She then joined TAB Betting Agencies in Richmond and Abbotsford. Her last job was as a Telephone Operator at TAB Telephone Betting where she mainly worked nights and loved her job. She spent over 18 years working there.

Her hobby was dressmaking. She was an excellent designer and dressmaker. Mum used to love making all her own clothes. She kept up with the fashion and always looked immaculately dressed. Her love of clothes would last a lifetime. She would always take pride in what she wore and how she looked. Later in life, she would design and make hats and fascinators. She was keen to show these off at special events and enjoyed attending the races. On many occasions, Mum entered herself into Fashions on the Field and even won a few awards in her category. Mum was very well known to family and friends for her collection of head wear, and she was the “go to” person to borrow one or it would give her pleasure if she made something special for one of them.

Besides her love of clothes and fashion, she loved to have a bet. Her favourite was the Thoroughbreds, but she also loved the Trots and the Dogs. Mum also loved to collect things like coins, stamps and anything else that involved her family such as her children’s achievements.

FELIX CLAUDE HALLETT (known as Phil)

27th July 1928 – 31st October 2012

Felix Claude Hallett was born on 27th July 1928 in a Private Birthing Home in Abbotsford. His family home was in Swan St, Richmond. Felix was brought up in an affluent family. Felix was the fourth child and youngest son of Stanley William Hallett (Stonemason) and Sarah Mary (Zara) Robinson (Opera Singer). Felix’s siblings were George Stanley Hallett who married Maria (Mary) Levy, Francis (Frank) William Hallett who married Joan House, Stanley Desmond Hallett who married Katherine Cronin, Zara Hallett who married Neville Hall & Meresse Veronica Hallett who married Thomas Corrie.
Felix also attended St Ignatius Catholic Primary School, and he completed his studies at Form 3. Felix, also known as Phil, was sent by his parents to Elocution lessons. Dad had to leave school early to start work at his father’s Stonemasonry business, F. Hallett & Son Pty Ltd. Phil’s two older brothers who worked at the company, George and Frank, were called up and sent to the Cook Islands and Rabaul (PNG) to fight in WW2. Phil was too young to fight in WW2 unlike his brothers, so Phil started his Stonemasonry apprenticeship in 1942 at the age of 14. It was there that Phil learnt the art of engineering and design for all things stone. He had a natural flair for it, so his father paid for him to attend night school at RMIT Melbourne to study Art & Drawing. Phil stated that he had a love of Architecture and if he didn’t become a Stonemason, he would have been an Architect.
Phil was incredibly proud to work within the family stonemasonry business which was started by his grandfather William Francis Hallett in 1887. Dad was involved in so many special projects and we believe somewhere in the vicinity of 100+ churches.

PHIL & NANCY’S LIFE TOGETHER
Phil and Nancy met at the St Ignatius Church School of Dancing in 1947 and fell in love. One of their favorite things to do was to ride Phil’s Harley with friends out to the country hotels after the suburban hotels closed early. There was something special about those late-night trips – the cool air, the winding roads, and the anticipation of finding a cosy spot where the night could stretch on a just a little longer.

Eventually, Phil would become a “HOLDEN” man. He always purchased Holdens throughout his life.
In 1948 on 10th August, Phil & Nancy were engaged and later married at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Richmond on 16th December 1950. Their reception was at Tudor Court Receptions in Kooyong Rd, Caulfield North. It was such a beautiful affair and they both looked stunning in their wedding attire. For their honeymoon they travelled to Sydney by sea on the P&O ORONSAY Cruise Ship. They stayed at the Coronation Hotel.

It wasn’t long before Felix and Nancy started their family – 9 children in total. 5 boys and 4 girls. Sherida Leanne, Gary Steven, Christopher Michael, Debra Maree, Paul Anthony Michelle Christine, Philip Gerard, Wayne Jeffery and Janine Claire.

When the children were young you would find Nance arranging a holiday for her young family. The family loved spending time at the beach. Nancy & Phil loved to travel and eventually the family would travel to Sydney as they grew up.

As their own family started to get older and start their own families, Mum and Dad were blessed with 25 grandchildren. They adored spending time with their grandchildren and loved spoiling them, just as all grandparents do.

After Phil’s father, Stanley Hallett, suddenly passed away 6 weeks after his wedding in early 1951, Phil and his brothers inherited the Stonemasonry business, F. Hallett & Son at 25 Bridge Rd, Richmond. George sold his share of the business as he did not want to work there. This left 3 Directors, Francis, Stan & Phil to carry on. The boys ran a very successful business and extended their workshop to purchase a large piece of land for a factory at 280-288 Mahoneys Rd, Campbellfield (which later rezoned as Thomastown). They all retired in 1989 handing over the business to their children.

In 1955, Phil & Nancy purchased a home in Park Ave, Burnley. They then built a home in 1966 in Gloucester Drive, Banyule (Heidelberg). Then they moved Elgin St, Hawthorn and then to Elgar Rd, Doncaster and in 1972 to Chadstone where they lived for 14 years. In 1986, Mum & Dad built a brand-new AV Jennings Home at 95 Mill Park Drive, Mill Park and they made this their forever home.

Phil & Nancy loved to entertain in their home. The door was always open, and everyone was welcome. They enjoyed celebrating birthdays with their family. They created a lovely entertaining space in the back yard of their home.

Phil retired early at age 61. Stonemasonry was always in his blood, and he would still call in to the factory to help his sons Philip & Wayne who were running F. Hallett & Son at this time, and he would pass on his experience and knowledge. Phil had such a great knowledge of the stone industry, and he would often help our Paul with designs for church altars.

Phil and Nancy had a true love of travel. Whether it would be by air around the world to the humble caravan trips. Their first overseas trip was to Asia. Their eldest daughter lived in Butterworth, Penang, with her then Air Force husband, David Ward, and they went over for a visit in 1977. They travelled to Malaysia and Thailand also. That trip was the start of their love of world travel. When Phil retired in 1989, they took their first round the world trip. They travelled Business Class and stayed in 5-star accommodation. They were away for 3 months. From here on as soon as they returned from holiday, the next trip was booked, and this would become their life together.

In the year 2000, Phil and Nancy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They had a lovely service back at St Ignatius in Richmond where they were originally married. The day was extra special as Nancy included as many of her grand daughters that she could to be cute little bridesmaids and celebrate this day with Nana & Pa. It was such a lovely day celebrated with family and friends. Nancy in her later years would always call Phil her boyfriend which showed that true love never dies.

THEIR LOVE SEPARATED FOR 5 YEARS

In late October 2012, Phil had a routine operation at Austin Hospital, Heidelberg. A few days later he developed complications and was rushed back to the Theatre. Whilst in Recovery, he suddenly passed away from Septicemia on 31st October 2012. Nancy, Sherida and Janine were by his side.
Nancy never got over this and would often say that she wanted to be with the love of her life. Nancy would carry on for another 5 years without Phil. Nancy lived at the Mill Park home until she was unable to cope by herself. She went into care at Heritage Lake Aged Care in South Morang. Mum spent nearly 2 years there until she developed an infection from a bed sore. Sadly, Mum passed away from Septicemia on 8th October 2017 at The Northern Hospital, Epping. Michelle and Janine were by her side.

Felix & Nance are both laid to rest at Fawkner Cemetery. Their headstone was designed by Phil before he passed away. A true craftsman until the end.

“Mum and Dad,
you are so missed; we will always love you and you will never be forgotten”
Love your family xxx

CLAIRE NANCY HALLETT (known as Nancy or Nance)

24th January 1927 – 8th October 2017

Claire Nancy Kelly was born on 24th January 1927 in her grandmother’s home in Richmond, Victoria. The eldest child and daughter of four children to Gerard Augustine Kelly who worked as a shunter and then whistle/flag signalman at Victorian Railways and his wife Sarah Mary Ivy O’Neill. Claire’s younger siblings were, Dorothea Florence Mary Therese Kelly who married Desmond Lynch, Kevin Gerard Kelly who married Eileen Doyle and Joan Margaret Kelly who married Kenneth Powell.

Mum attended St Ignatius Catholic Primary School in Church St, Richmond and completed her studies at Form 4. Upon leaving school, Claire attended Stott’s Business College to study Typing, Shorthand and Bookkeeping. Her first job was at Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd in South Yarra and was employed as the Administration & Pay Mistress where she was able to utilize the skills that she had learnt. She also worked as the Night Ticket Sales at the Melbourne Glacierium Ice Skate Rink in Southbank. Her other work included working in Ticket Box Sales & as an Usherette at Cinema Richmond. She then joined TAB Betting Agencies in Richmond and Abbotsford. Her last job was as a Telephone Operator at TAB Telephone Betting where she mainly worked nights and loved her job. She spent over 18 years working there.

Her hobby was dressmaking. She was an excellent designer and dressmaker. Mum used to love making all her own clothes. She kept up with the fashion and always looked immaculately dressed. Her love of clothes would last a lifetime. She would always take pride in what she wore and how she looked. Later in life, she would design and make hats and fascinators. She was keen to show these off at special events and enjoyed attending the races. On many occasions, Mum entered herself into Fashions on the Field and even won a few awards in her category. Mum was very well known to family and friends for her collection of head wear, and she was the “go to” person to borrow one or it would give her pleasure if she made something special for one of them.

Besides her love of clothes and fashion, she loved to have a bet. Her favourite was the Thoroughbreds, but she also loved the Trots and the Dogs. Mum also loved to collect things like coins, stamps and anything else that involved her family such as her children’s achievements.

FELIX CLAUDE HALLETT (known as Phil)

27th July 1928 – 31st October 2012

Felix Claude Hallett was born on 27th July 1928 in a Private Birthing Home in Abbotsford. His family home was in Swan St, Richmond. Felix was brought up in an affluent family. Felix was the fourth child and youngest son of Stanley William Hallett (Stonemason) and Sarah Mary (Zara) Robinson (Opera Singer). Felix’s siblings were George Stanley Hallett who married Maria (Mary) Levy, Francis (Frank) William Hallett who married Joan House, Stanley Desmond Hallett who married Katherine Cronin, Zara Hallett who married Neville Hall & Meresse Veronica Hallett who married Thomas Corrie.
Felix also attended St Ignatius Catholic Primary School, and he completed his studies at Form 3. Felix, also known as Phil, was sent by his parents to Elocution lessons. Dad had to leave school early to start work at his father’s Stonemasonry business, F. Hallett & Son Pty Ltd. Phil’s two older brothers who worked at the company, George and Frank, were called up and sent to the Cook Islands and Rabaul (PNG) to fight in WW2. Phil was too young to fight in WW2 unlike his brothers, so Phil started his Stonemasonry apprenticeship in 1942 at the age of 14. It was there that Phil learnt the art of engineering and design for all things stone. He had a natural flair for it, so his father paid for him to attend night school at RMIT Melbourne to study Art & Drawing. Phil stated that he had a love of Architecture and if he didn’t become a Stonemason, he would have been an Architect.
Phil was incredibly proud to work within the family stonemasonry business which was started by his grandfather William Francis Hallett in 1887. Dad was involved in so many special projects and we believe somewhere in the vicinity of 100+ churches.

PHIL & NANCY’S LIFE TOGETHER
Phil and Nancy met at the St Ignatius Church School of Dancing in 1947 and fell in love. One of their favorite things to do was to ride Phil’s Harley with friends out to the country hotels after the suburban hotels closed early. There was something special about those late-night trips – the cool air, the winding roads, and the anticipation of finding a cosy spot where the night could stretch on a just a little longer.

Eventually, Phil would become a “HOLDEN” man. He always purchased Holdens throughout his life.
In 1948 on 10th August, Phil & Nancy were engaged and later married at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Richmond on 16th December 1950. Their reception was at Tudor Court Receptions in Kooyong Rd, Caulfield North. It was such a beautiful affair and they both looked stunning in their wedding attire. For their honeymoon they travelled to Sydney by sea on the P&O ORONSAY Cruise Ship. They stayed at the Coronation Hotel.

It wasn’t long before Felix and Nancy started their family – 9 children in total. 5 boys and 4 girls. Sherida Leanne, Gary Steven, Christopher Michael, Debra Maree, Paul Anthony Michelle Christine, Philip Gerard, Wayne Jeffery and Janine Claire.

When the children were young you would find Nance arranging a holiday for her young family. The family loved spending time at the beach. Nancy & Phil loved to travel and eventually the family would travel to Sydney as they grew up.

As their own family started to get older and start their own families, Mum and Dad were blessed with 25 grandchildren. They adored spending time with their grandchildren and loved spoiling them, just as all grandparents do.

After Phil’s father, Stanley Hallett, suddenly passed away 6 weeks after his wedding in early 1951, Phil and his brothers inherited the Stonemasonry business, F. Hallett & Son at 25 Bridge Rd, Richmond. George sold his share of the business as he did not want to work there. This left 3 Directors, Francis, Stan & Phil to carry on. The boys ran a very successful business and extended their workshop to purchase a large piece of land for a factory at 280-288 Mahoneys Rd, Campbellfield (which later rezoned as Thomastown). They all retired in 1989 handing over the business to their children.

In 1955, Phil & Nancy purchased a home in Park Ave, Burnley. They then built a home in 1966 in Gloucester Drive, Banyule (Heidelberg). Then they moved Elgin St, Hawthorn and then to Elgar Rd, Doncaster and in 1972 to Chadstone where they lived for 14 years. In 1986, Mum & Dad built a brand-new AV Jennings Home at 95 Mill Park Drive, Mill Park and they made this their forever home.

Phil & Nancy loved to entertain in their home. The door was always open, and everyone was welcome. They enjoyed celebrating birthdays with their family. They created a lovely entertaining space in the back yard of their home.

Phil retired early at age 61. Stonemasonry was always in his blood, and he would still call in to the factory to help his sons Philip & Wayne who were running F. Hallett & Son at this time, and he would pass on his experience and knowledge. Phil had such a great knowledge of the stone industry, and he would often help our Paul with designs for church altars.

Phil and Nancy had a true love of travel. Whether it would be by air around the world to the humble caravan trips. Their first overseas trip was to Asia. Their eldest daughter lived in Butterworth, Penang, with her then Air Force husband, David Ward, and they went over for a visit in 1977. They travelled to Malaysia and Thailand also. That trip was the start of their love of world travel. When Phil retired in 1989, they took their first round the world trip. They travelled Business Class and stayed in 5-star accommodation. They were away for 3 months. From here on as soon as they returned from holiday, the next trip was booked, and this would become their life together.

In the year 2000, Phil and Nancy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They had a lovely service back at St Ignatius in Richmond where they were originally married. The day was extra special as Nancy included as many of her grand daughters that she could to be cute little bridesmaids and celebrate this day with Nana & Pa. It was such a lovely day celebrated with family and friends. Nancy in her later years would always call Phil her boyfriend which showed that true love never dies.

THEIR LOVE SEPARATED FOR 5 YEARS

In late October 2012, Phil had a routine operation at Austin Hospital, Heidelberg. A few days later he developed complications and was rushed back to the Theatre. Whilst in Recovery, he suddenly passed away from Septicemia on 31st October 2012. Nancy, Sherida and Janine were by his side.
Nancy never got over this and would often say that she wanted to be with the love of her life. Nancy would carry on for another 5 years without Phil. Nancy lived at the Mill Park home until she was unable to cope by herself. She went into care at Heritage Lake Aged Care in South Morang. Mum spent nearly 2 years there until she developed an infection from a bed sore. Sadly, Mum passed away from Septicemia on 8th October 2017 at The Northern Hospital, Epping. Michelle and Janine were by her side.

Felix & Nance are both laid to rest at Fawkner Cemetery. Their headstone was designed by Phil before he passed away. A true craftsman until the end.

“Mum and Dad,
you are so missed; we will always love you and you will never be forgotten”
Love your family xxx

Family Members

No Member Found.

Favourite Sports Team

No Team Found.

Interests

Greatest Achievements

Videos

Eulogy

No PDF Found

Tribute Message

Latest Comments

  • C
    H
    Cassandra Leigh Hallett
    Grand Daughter
    My nanna was a very caring and dedicated person, she always used to babysit me and my brother and she never seemed to have an issue with taking care of us. She would always take us out to the Stables in Mill Park or to a shopping centre nearby and we would go shopping, even if it was for groceries. She had her own sayings that I still remember to this day, which included the sayings “All out, tea break”, which she would say before getting out of the car or “The buses are sleeping”, which she would say if we went past a place where the buses were done doing their rounds for the night. These sayings will stick with me for the rest of my life. She was an amazing grandparent and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else, I hope she rests in peace and I’m glad that nanna and pa are finally together again. My pa was a hard working and an amazing man. He knew what he was taking about with stonemasonry and always worked hard to achieve what he could. He was a loving and caring grandfather and always taught me how to stand up for myself and to work hard for what I wanted in life. I don’t remember much about him, but what I do remember is that he was always there for my parents while I was growing up, always quick to give a helping hand when it was needed. He was a strong man who loved his sayings and who really left an imprint on people’s lives. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about my nanna and pa and the memories that they left.
    Show/Hide Replies
    • That is such beautiful words about Nanna and Pa, Cass. They loved you so much and were very active in your life as you were growing up. Yes, they were the best grandparents to you and all your cousins. They adored their very large family and were very proud of them. Love you heaps, Aunty Janine xo
  • J
    H
    Janine Claire Hallett
    Daughter
    When my parents were often asked “What is the secret to such a long successful marriage? Mum would always answer “CARING and SHARING”. When I think of them, that is the essence of their relationship and describes their humanity to a tee. Felix was my Dad and wow…what an awesome father he was. He was always by my side through thick and thin. Such an intelligent man and was described my many as a gentleman. So gifted in his art as a Master Stonemason, his career spanned from the young age of 14 to the day he passed at age 84. He mentored his 5 sons in his craft and encouraged his daughters in finding whatever made them happy. He was so proud of me to become a nurse and I am thankful for all the help from him and mum during my study with a young family. Dad was a hands on father and grandfather. He was always there at every celebration and milestone. He loved a chat, a documentry on tv, a history story, travelling the world, a good book to read before bed and absorb as much knowledge as possible. There was nothing this guy couldn’t do – he had a go at anything and would most likely turn out perfect. He loved his Holden cars, loved his first Harley Davidson motorbike and his beautiful girl, Nancy, on the back of it. He drove us to our basketball games and training and took us for many interstate holidays, especially to Sydney. He loved to visit family and had a cheeky habit of doing the “sit on” until dinner was served. It was very typical for him and mum to roll up to my place at 4.30pm for a arvo “cuppa” and then couldn’t get rid of them. I laugh about it now, but how I wish so much that they’d be at my door today ringing that door bell 😢. Dad you are sorely missed. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I love you wish all my heart. Nancy is my mum and was such a wonderful mother. I called her “Mumsy” as I loved to stir her up sounding very regal. Mum always called me Jan. One of only a few who did. I was her 9th child, but her 11th pregnancy as she miscarried twice. She said that she wanted a girl to end off her family and I used to tell her that that was not true – she had to have so many kids until she got to perfection…and that’s ME !! 🥰 Mum was a resilient woman and so resourceful. She worked hard running a house with so many kids and would make homemade food and handy with a sewing machine. Her love of fashion was paramount and always went out of her way to look her best. She had a talent of making her own hats and she was the first person I would turn to, to create an outfit for me and borrow some accessories. Mumsy was a hands on mother and grandmother too. Her and Dad would always accept an invite to attend any events or milestones. Mumsy was a loving, caring and nuturing role model for me and I appreciate the way she brought me up and everything she did for me. She supported anything I chose to do as long as I was happy. I loved spending girly time with her and going out on our shopping dates. Mumsy loved a phone chat and would talk forever and a day on the blower. She loved her travel and everytime her and dad arrived back from a trip, she started arranging the next one. I holidayed with them many a time and they made sure we saw everything. I was never one interested in some places we went, but they made interesting and entertaining and after awhile, I was hooked on travel. Mum, I miss your long daily phone calls, your knowledge of how to handle a situation and juat spending time with you. Thank you for everything you did for me and I hope I made you proud. You left us 5 years after Dad and it was a challenge looking after you. I did everything you asked me to do and although as hard as it was, I’d do it over again. My dear mother and father, rest now together for eternity. I love and adore you both so much and miss you everyday. I have the best memories of you and I treasure them. You will be forever live in my heart. Your loving daughter, Jan xo

Send a eTribute

    Allow friends and family to view your loved ones eTribute page and leave tribute messages

    Page Administrator

    Therese