Aileen Plant died unexpectedly at Jakarta airport on 27 March 2007, cutting short a life of exceptional achievement. Her warmth and wisdom had touched many people — as a favourite aunt, friend, confidante, researcher, colleague, mentor, and valued health adviser. Yet her influence stretched far beyond Australia. As an adviser and leader in international public health, she was highly regarded by Margaret Chan, now Director-General of the World Health Organization. In the words of David Heymann, a long-time friend, “the world is a better place because of her life”.
Aileen Joy Parnell was born in Warrigal, Victoria, on 9 July 1948, the fourth of eight children. She left school at 14 years of age, working on the family farm and then in a bank, before studying medicine at the University of Western Australia. Although her marriage to Roger Plant, a fellow student, ended soon after graduation, she always remained close to the Plant family.
Chronic asthma, dating from adolescence, plagued Aileen for much of her life. Her sudden death was attributed to acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis complicating a short gastrointestinal illness. She is survived by her siblings, parents-in-law and 33 nephews and nieces.
