Remembering the lives of Dr Ros Worthington OAM (73) and gospel singer Cissy Houston (91)
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The world mourns the loss of two remarkable women in their respective fields.
One became a trailblazer in the medical community, while the other sang anthems for an entire generation.
Let us take a look at the lives they have led.
The Australian medical community mourns the loss of Dr Ros Worthington OAM, who passed away at the age of 73.
A philanthropist at heart and the founder of Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA), Dr Worthington's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care WA issued a heartfelt statement following her passing.
'As we honour Ros's memory, we celebrate the wonderful legacy she leaves behind—one of hope and unwavering commitment to making a difference,' the statement read.
'We will always remember Ros as a powerhouse of compassion, and her influence will continue through our support services at BCCWA.'
Dr Worthington's journey began with her cancer battle.
After getting diagnosed with chronic breast disease, she immediately went through a mastectomy at 34 years old.
This personal experience ignited her passion to help others, and Breast Cancer Care WA was established in 2000.
BCCWA became a beacon of hope and support for people with breast cancer.
Since its establishment, BCCWA has raised over $40 million to aid Western Australian patients and their families.
Dr Worthington's commitment to the cause was recognised as she received an Order of Australia Medal in 1998.
Further accolades followed, which included a Western Australian of the Year award in 2015.
Earlier this year, Dr Worthington was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
She faced her diagnosis with the same courage and transparency that characterised her life's work.
Dr Worthington documented her end-of-life journey following her diagnosis in July.
Additionally, she shared that this experience was driven by her support for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), which became legal in Western Australia in July 2021.
'I do want to leave the impact that voluntary assisted dying can be one of the most beautiful experiences that you could ever have, but more importantly, for your family,' Dr Worthington shared in an interview last September.
Her advocacy for VAD was also rooted in compassion and the desire to prevent unnecessary suffering.
'No one wants to die in pain. I don't want to die in pain,' Dr Worthington added.
Dr Worthington's life story is one of personal triumph and tragedy and has a profound impact on the community.
Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the support network she built, and the ongoing work of BCCWA.
On the other side of the globe, the music industry lost another towering figure.
Revered gospel singer Cissy Houston has passed away at the age of 91.
As the mother of the late Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston's life was a testament to the power of music, faith, and family.
Her death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, last Monday at her New Jersey home.
Born into a musical family, Cissy started singing with her siblings in The Drinkard Four, which laid the foundations of a seven-decade-long career.
More than a solo artist, Houston also became a member of the Sweet Inspirations.
This group provided harmonious backdrops for some of the biggest names in music history.
Sweet Inspirations graced hits like Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl' and The Jimi Hendrix Experience's 'Burning of the Midnight Lamp'.
They were also the vocal force behind Aretha Franklin's timeless 'Ain't No Way', which showcased the depth and emotion that gospel-infused backing vocals could provide.
Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations were a sought-after group as they performed with Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, and Dionne Warwick, among others.
Houston's influence extended beyond the group as she became a highly respected session singer.
Her voice can be heard alongside a diverse array of artists—from Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross to her daughter, Whitney.
She also worked with Burt Bacharach on tracks like 'Mexican Divorce' and 'One Less Bell to Answer'.
Cissy Houston's solo career was also marked by critical acclaim.
She earned two Grammy Awards for her albums, Face to Face and He Leadeth Me, both in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy Houston also shared her life's story through her book How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel.
She also wrote a memoir for her daughter, entitled Remembering Whitney: A Mother's Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.
Watch Cissy Houston's performance on the David Letterman Show here:
Source: Letterman/YouTube
Pat Houston shared that Cissy's impact on music and culture is indeed unparalleled.
As the Houston matriarch, she was a woman of deep faith and conviction and cared greatly about her ministry and community.
Her passing is not just the loss of a family's beloved figure but the fading of a generation of music that shaped the soul and gospel genres.
We send our deepest condolences to both Dr Worthington and Ms Houston's families and friends.
May they rest in peace.
One became a trailblazer in the medical community, while the other sang anthems for an entire generation.
Let us take a look at the lives they have led.
The Australian medical community mourns the loss of Dr Ros Worthington OAM, who passed away at the age of 73.
A philanthropist at heart and the founder of Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA), Dr Worthington's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care WA issued a heartfelt statement following her passing.
Dr Ros Worthington was described as a 'much-loved and cherished contributor' to the medical community. Image Credit: Instagram/Lifeline WA
'As we honour Ros's memory, we celebrate the wonderful legacy she leaves behind—one of hope and unwavering commitment to making a difference,' the statement read.
'We will always remember Ros as a powerhouse of compassion, and her influence will continue through our support services at BCCWA.'
Dr Worthington's journey began with her cancer battle.
After getting diagnosed with chronic breast disease, she immediately went through a mastectomy at 34 years old.
This personal experience ignited her passion to help others, and Breast Cancer Care WA was established in 2000.
BCCWA became a beacon of hope and support for people with breast cancer.
Since its establishment, BCCWA has raised over $40 million to aid Western Australian patients and their families.
Dr Worthington's commitment to the cause was recognised as she received an Order of Australia Medal in 1998.
Further accolades followed, which included a Western Australian of the Year award in 2015.
Earlier this year, Dr Worthington was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
She faced her diagnosis with the same courage and transparency that characterised her life's work.
Dr Worthington documented her end-of-life journey following her diagnosis in July.
Additionally, she shared that this experience was driven by her support for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), which became legal in Western Australia in July 2021.
'I do want to leave the impact that voluntary assisted dying can be one of the most beautiful experiences that you could ever have, but more importantly, for your family,' Dr Worthington shared in an interview last September.
Her advocacy for VAD was also rooted in compassion and the desire to prevent unnecessary suffering.
'No one wants to die in pain. I don't want to die in pain,' Dr Worthington added.
Dr Worthington's life story is one of personal triumph and tragedy and has a profound impact on the community.
Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the support network she built, and the ongoing work of BCCWA.
On the other side of the globe, the music industry lost another towering figure.
Revered gospel singer Cissy Houston has passed away at the age of 91.
As the mother of the late Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston's life was a testament to the power of music, faith, and family.
Her death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston, last Monday at her New Jersey home.
Born Emily Drinkard, Cissy Houston's career spanned over seven decades and multiple works. Image Credit: Rolling Stone
Born into a musical family, Cissy started singing with her siblings in The Drinkard Four, which laid the foundations of a seven-decade-long career.
More than a solo artist, Houston also became a member of the Sweet Inspirations.
This group provided harmonious backdrops for some of the biggest names in music history.
Sweet Inspirations graced hits like Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl' and The Jimi Hendrix Experience's 'Burning of the Midnight Lamp'.
They were also the vocal force behind Aretha Franklin's timeless 'Ain't No Way', which showcased the depth and emotion that gospel-infused backing vocals could provide.
Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations were a sought-after group as they performed with Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, and Dionne Warwick, among others.
Houston's influence extended beyond the group as she became a highly respected session singer.
Her voice can be heard alongside a diverse array of artists—from Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross to her daughter, Whitney.
She also worked with Burt Bacharach on tracks like 'Mexican Divorce' and 'One Less Bell to Answer'.
Cissy Houston's solo career was also marked by critical acclaim.
She earned two Grammy Awards for her albums, Face to Face and He Leadeth Me, both in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
Beyond her musical achievements, Cissy Houston also shared her life's story through her book How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel.
She also wrote a memoir for her daughter, entitled Remembering Whitney: A Mother's Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.
Watch Cissy Houston's performance on the David Letterman Show here:
Source: Letterman/YouTube
Pat Houston shared that Cissy's impact on music and culture is indeed unparalleled.
As the Houston matriarch, she was a woman of deep faith and conviction and cared greatly about her ministry and community.
Her passing is not just the loss of a family's beloved figure but the fading of a generation of music that shaped the soul and gospel genres.
May they rest in peace.
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