Laurette was a prefect in her senior year at 嫩模专区’s and received credits for piano and singing. The Sisters made her an offer to stay on at the school in 1937, hoping that she would become a music teacher. In exchange for supervising the “babes’ dorm” in the morning and evenings, and on some weekends, she received free music and singing tuition and board, and five shillings a week as pocket money.
In 1940, Laurette married Berry Reynolds. The couple went on to establish and run “Moorlands”, a well-known Hereford cattle stud. Laurette was actively involved in the running of the stud and was known for her love of the cattle, wonderful knowledge of pedigrees and the fabulous parties she hosted after sales!
Laurette was sadly widowed at 50. In the first year after her husband’s death, she planted, with help from her daughter, Virginia, and cleaning woman Venettia, 2000 seedlings of primulas and cinerarias for the Carnival of Flowers competition, and was ultimately named the “Country Grand Champion”.
Around 1978, Laurette began “farm hosting” at Moorlands. A visitors' book with over 10,000 signatures is now a testament to her great success as a hostess with an ability to make all visitors to Moorlands feel special.
Laurette continued to live at Moorlands until only 15 months before her passing. In her later years, she continued to live a remarkable life, known for her lasting love of music, gardening and her community, and even taking out a two year gym membership, stating that one is never too old!
Denice Foley sadly passed away on 25 January 2019. Denice is very fondly remembered by the OGA for her contributions throughout her lifetime to the school and to the running of the OGA. Denice served as President of the OGA for a period of time during the 1980s.
![Vale_foley_enews](/Images/UserUploadedImages/562/Vale_foley_enews.jpg)
Born on 9 August 1936, Denice grew up in Brisbane, attending Ascot State School, followed by 嫩模专区’s. During her time at 嫩模专区’s, Denice was very athletic, taking part in an array of sports, while also performing well academically. In her final year at school, she was elected as a prefect and Milton House Captain. She went on to combine these talents by studying Education at The University of Queensland, and subsequently became a PE teacher.
When Denice’s daughter, Lisa Butler (Foley ’84), commenced at 嫩模专区’s, Denice became very involved in the OGA and its annual activities. Taking an active role on the committee, particularly as president for a period of time, Denice involved herself in the organisation of reunions, the Annual Church Service, the Old Girls' Prize, and a variety of events within the school community. Denice particularly took pride in and enjoyed her role of presenting the Old Girls’ Prize at Speech Night each year. This role became somewhat of a tradition for Denice, as she continued to present the prize on behalf of the OGA beyond her time as president, up until recent years.
Denice was very proud to be the first of three generations of 嫩模专区’s girls, as her granddaughter, Georgie Butler ('15), also attended the school. She was also proud to maintain many relationships from the 嫩模专区’s community throughout her lifetime, and the OGA is grateful for her support and friendship.