Jean Marion Tom

Tom was born on 8 August 1922 at Victoria, Romsey town, North Melbourne, Australia, the daughter of Romsey-based Jim and Ellie Spring.^[1][2]

Tom was a community worker, a scientist, and an MSc(Hons.) (Master of Science) graduate in Physiology from Melbourne University in 1944.^[1][3][4] She worked at the school of Physiology, Melbourne University. She had five children – Marion Rose, Helen, Phyllis, Alison and Bill.^[2][5] Her daughter Marion Rose was a geophysicist at the BHP Minerals Group, exploration department, Melbourne.^[2]

Tom was involved with the CWA (Country Women's Association) and offered her service for the welfare of women in remote and rural Australia.^[1][2][5] As a result, on 26 January 1993, she was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).^[1][4][5] She was also honoured by the RSL (Returned Service League) with the ANZAC of the year award in 1999.^[1][4] She was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2001.^[6] Tom died on 28 May 2017, after a short illness.^[2][5]

Tom was a member of many committees and organiaations such as Status of Women Committee, Victoria; Freedom from hunger committee; and the Victorian Fairlea Women's Prison Council.^[1][4] She was also a member at Victorian Consultative Council; member of the planning committee of White settlement in Victoria; Director and Trustee of the Victorian Women's Trust; National President and member of the Country Women's Association Australia; and also a Member of the National Women's Consultative Council.^[1][4]

Tom was the honorary state treasurer and president of the Country Women's Association, Victoria.^[1][4]