Our sincere condolences to the Hobbs family

The Moonee Valley Cricket Club extends its sincere condolences to the Hobbs family on the passing of Bernadette, who was one of our women's team pioneers.

At left - Bern in her Valley whites in our first-ever women's game.

Bern lost her battle with cancer on August 1, and we reach out to husband Paul and to children Seamus, Connor and Bridget.

At right - Bernadette and Paul at our 2008 Presentation Night.

Bern played in our inaugural women's match at home at Ormond Park on October 7 in the 2007/08 season, and took on the gloves as wicketkeeper - the same role that Paul played for Moonee Valley.

Bern was one of a group of mums who were celebrating an Under 12s premiership in 2006/07 when they agreed it would be "fun" to also play cricket.

That was all the incentive that we needed to enter a team in the Victorian Women's Cricket Association and throw the whites on the mums. Bernadette was one of the enthused group who followed through - and took to the field in our first-ever game.

Bern was a gifted sportswoman, particularly tennis and took to her new pursuit easily. She played 12 games and scored 45 runs.

As well as husband Paul's 103 games for the Valley, Bern's sons played their junior cricket with us, and also represented Moonee Valley at senior level - Seamus for seven games and Connor for one.

Bern was funny, loving and kind. She will be terribly missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

The Funeral Mass for Bernadette Hobbs will be offered at St Brendan’s, 103 Wellington St, Flemington at 1pm on Friday August 12. The Burial will take place at 1pm on Monday August 15 at Harrow Cemetery, Harrow-Clear Lake Rd, Harrow.

For those unable to attend the Funeral Mass, the live webcast can be viewed at https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/25514/Bernadette-Mary-Hobbs/obituary.html#tribute-start