VALE ELAINE GOW
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of “Hall of Fame” recipient Elaine Gow on 30 September 2026. We extend our sincere condolences to her daughters Debbie, Merilyn and Kate, and their families. We know our sadness is shared by the many, many members who were fortunate enough to know her.
Elaine was a Foundation Member of the Eastwood Methodist Musical Society, and its first leading lady. She was actively involved in every show but two (when she was overseas) from 1963 until 2018 when she retired from active membership but still maintained her interest in, and devotion to, the society now re-named as Beacon Musical Society Inc.
Elaine had at least 30 principal roles and made nine appearances in the chorus. Since 1967 when she produced The Gondoliers, Elaine was either Producer, Director, Musical Director or Production Manager over 26 times. She was choreographer, rehearsal pianist, part of the make-up team, wardrobe mistress, house manager, “prompt”, dialogue coach and director’s assistant. She was always the first to offer help to production teams and so contributed in areas not recognised in programs. There was almost no request to her for help that went unanswered.
Elaine co-wrote scripts for 25th and 30th anniversary shows and was involved in the organising committees for the 40th and 50th anniversaries. The Society’s two modern “away shows” to country venues in 2007 and 2015 would not have happened had it not been for Elaine’s initial suggestions. Elaine arranged many social events with entrance fees donated to charity and organised many “biggest supper” events to raise money for charities such as the Cancer Council.
Elaine was President of EUCMS on two separate occasions totalling 12 years, Vice President for three years, Secretary for six years, Floor Member for 13 years and General Secretary for three years. She organised many annual church services and Christmas plays as well as being both organiser of, and performer in, innumerable concert parties over the decades.
In 1983 Elaine became a Life Member of the Society and in November 2006 was inducted into the Association of Community Theatre’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her many decades of commitment to community theatre.
Her long commitment to the Society meant there were very few members whom she did not know and this knowledge was used in her role as the Society’s public relations officer, sending cards and arranging gifts when society members recognised a special event.
Elaine readily admitted that EUCMS was a major part of her life, giving her “many hours of pleasure, some grey hairs, a vast number of friends and an enduring love of theatre”. Whilst the Society and its members might have given to her, what she gave back far exceeded what she received.
She will be greatly missed by many.
