Speak Out April 2021

Vale Ursula Dixon (nee Moss) 31 March 1980 – 8 February 2021

“Ursula has left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts and souls of many here. May we always remember the beauty of her love, her kindness and sacred way she touched our lives.”

Well known in the speech pathology profession as colourful, vibrant and larger than life, our dear Ursula left our world very unexpectedly on Monday February 8, 2021, aged just 40 years. Sharing her love of colour, zest for life, adoration of her family and dedication to her work, Ursula’s work took her across Queensland. Ursula began her career as a speech pathologist in Toowoomba in 2003, after graduating from UQ in 2002. Ursula worked in adult mental health at

team leader, but most of all, a good friend to us all. In her time with us, Ursula shared so much knowledge and passion with all of our team. Aside from her Speech pathology career, and life as a dedicated wife and mother, Ursula also managed to find the time to be a Marriage Celebrant. The world has lost a one of a kind, very special human being. For me, it was a privilege and honour to have worked so closely with Ursula, and I will treasure the memories of the time we

Toowoomba Base Hospital, before moving to Mackay to work at the Mackay Base Hospital. Ursula then returned to the Toowoomba Base Hospital before moving onto the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in 2004. Ursula moved back to Mackay in late 2005, where she worked as a Senior Speech Pathologist in the Community Based Rehabilitation Team (CBRT). Ursula then

shared. I owe my growth as a clinician and person largely to Ursula. Our support will continue to go to Sean, Ursula’s beloved husband, as well as her darling girls, Lucy and Eva, and of course, little dog Oscar. We take comfort in knowing that Ursh is finally

reunited with her darling son, Sam. May Ursula be surrounded by love, colour, handbags, brooches, care bears, unicorns and sloths; just some of her favourite things. We reflect on Ursula’s legacy and in times of uncertainty, we think WWUD (what would Ursula do?) We invite you to join in Colour Me Ursula Day, on February 8, each year. Wear your brightest outfit, pull out your most colourful handbag and shimmy those shoulders in Ursh’s honour! Ursh would also expect many a Long Island Iced Tea or Pina Colada to be consumed, just for her. Emily Austin Plena Healthcare emily.austin@plenahealthcare.com.au Ursula with Oscar

returned to the Mackay Base Hospital as a Senior Speech Pathologist and Adult Clinical Specialist. After taking some time off with her firstborn daughter, Lucy, Ursula was instrumental in setting up the speech pathology service and wider Allied Health team at the Mackay Rehabilitation Hospital in 2016. Throughout her career, Ursula worked across many areas of practice, including stroke and neurology, tracheostomy and laryngectomy management, and head and neck cancer. Settling down with her little family in Wakerley, Queensland (Brisbane Bayside) in 2018, Ursula joined us at Loqui Speech Pathology (now Plena Healthcare) in May 2018. Ursula was a highly valued member of our team; an esteemed clinician, a mentor, formal clinical supervisor,

Colour Me Ursula Day will be held annually on 8 February. RIGHT The Plena Speech team celebrating Ursula’s life at a Shoulder Shimmy Session

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April 2021 | Speak Out