CERA is incredibly grateful for the contribution of late supporter Jacquie Stephens who has left a lasting legacy for vision research.

A life of giving

Jacquie Stephens was so determined to make a difference that in her late 80s, she asked if she still ‘qualified’ to donate her eyes for research if they had cataracts.

A generous benefactor to many charities, Jacquie had a strong interest in medical research, in particular diabetic retinopathy, stem cell research, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

When she passed away, aged 90, Jacquie left a generous bequest to CERA, along with donations to many other charities including the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and Guide Dogs Victoria.

An only child, Jacquie was always strong, forthright and in many ways ahead of her time with her views of life and the wider world.

Born in Dimboola on the cusp of the Great Depression, her family later moved to Melbourne. Jacquie worked as a personal assistant and travelled Australia and the world, living in London at one stage. She loved the arts, particularly theatre, opera, orchestral performances and ballet.

Jacquie, who didn’t marry and lived most of her adult life in Malvern, loved people and animals.

She made the first of 20 CERA donations in 2001.

Soft spot

While she also donated to WEHI and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience, Jacquie had a soft spot for CERA.

She remained engaged and attended bequest nights until early 2019, even after a fall.

Jacquie told CERA that she knew people with AMD, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Supporting CERA was important to her because “with an ageing population we need to be as prepared as possible to deal with emerging problems”.

When CERA Donor Relations Advisor Elaine Levine met Jacquie at a research event she was immediately drawn to her warmth and sharp wit.

“She invited me to lunch at her home where we shared more stories about her life and travels,” Elaine says. “I will miss her presence at our future events and will remember her fondly.”

If you’re considering leaving a gift in your will to advance CERA’s research, please call 1300 737 757 for a confidential discussion or consider leaving a gift in your will.