Eileen “Red” Bond, beloved Australian socialite and devoted matriarch, has been farewelled in a moving service at Fremantle’s St Patrick’s Basilica, remembered for her unwavering commitment to “faith, family, friends and fun”.
Hundreds gathered on Monday to pay their respects to the former wife of entrepreneur Alan Bond, who died on July 2 aged 87 following a stroke. The service celebrated a woman who brought colour, warmth and strength to the lives of those around her.
Delivering the eulogy, son John Bond described his mother’s deep Catholic faith and love of St Patrick’s as a guiding force through life’s darkest moments – none more painful than the loss of her daughter, Susanne.
“This place gave her strength to get through the tough times in life, of which she had a few,” he said. “In times like these, this church was her refuge.”
Known affectionately as “Red” for her bright red hair as a child, Ms Bond was remembered as a fiercely loyal mother and a friend to many.
“To mum, family could do no wrong even when we obviously had,” John said with affection. “She would brook no criticism whatsoever of family members.”
Her generosity and openness touched people from all walks of life. “She had an incredible knack of befriending anybody, at any time, in any circumstances,” John said. “She was vitally interested in people’s lives, and I think that was the key.”
Eileen met Alan Bond as a teenager and he converted to Catholicism to marry her. The couple went on to raise four children – John, Craig, Susanne and Jody – and built a life of both privilege and public scrutiny. Through her husband’s spectacular business highs and painful lows (including bankruptcy and prison) Ms Bond remained a steadfast and loyal presence.
“She never really changed,” John said. “Wonderful, exuberant, engaging and loyal to the end, she will be terribly missed.”
Bond University, founded by Alan Bond in 1987, also paid tribute to Ms Bond. Vice chancellor and president Tim Brailsford remembered her as a “great friend and fierce supporter” of the university.
“The room was always brighter once Red had entered,” he said. “Her cheeky sense of humour entertained many a crowd.”
Though she lived a life that spanned continents and social circles, those closest to Eileen Bond said her truest joys came from home – her faith, her children, and the love she carried for all who knew her.
Images: 96FM
