For more than forty years, Dr Karla Fenton OAM was part of the fabric of Jane College. She was a mentor, a friend, a guiding presence and, for many, the embodiment of what it means to live a life of service. When Karla passed away peacefully earlier this year, the Jane community lost one of its most devoted champions. Her influence continues to shape the College every day.
Karla’s journey began in New Norfolk where she grew up with a keen intellect and a strong sense of purpose. When the Second World War began, she enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force. Her wartime service earned her a government-funded place to study medicine. This opportunity changed the course of her life and she embraced it with determination.
Her medical career opened the world to her. In her early years as a doctor, Karla worked overseas and served as personal physician to the royal family of Selangor. During this period her beloved son, Doug, was born. Becoming a mother was one of the great joys of her life.
After returning to Tasmania, Karla embarked on a medical career that spanned more than six decades. She specialised in psychiatry, mental health, sexual trauma, and drug and alcohol treatment. She worked across the Tasmanian Psychiatric Service, supervised state treatment centres and served as a forensic examiner in sexual assault cases. In her private practice she bulk-billed her patients so that no one would be denied care because of financial hardship.
Her contributions were recognised through several honours including Senior Australian of the Year for Tasmania, the Anzac of the Year Award and the Medal of the Order of Australia. These awards reflected a professional life defined by compassion, integrity and tireless service.
Karla spent many years as a single parent while raising Doug in Tasmania. She followed his achievements with immense pride as he became a highly respected surgeon in Sydney. Later in life she married former Jane Fellow Emeritus Professor David Elliott. They celebrated their wedding reception at Jane which reflected her deep and enduring connection to the College.
Karla’s impact at Jane continues in many ways. The Dr Karla Fenton OAM Wing recognises her kindness, generosity and loyalty to the Jane community. The Dr Karla Fenton OAM and Dr Douglas Fenton-Lee Scholarship, awarded each year to the highest-achieving returning international student, honours her belief in opportunity and education. Doug also donates an additional scholarship in her name, which ensures that her values will continue to guide future generations.
Those who knew Karla described her as intellectually sharp, principled, warm, funny and courageous. Even in her final months, as she faced serious illness, she did so with remarkable resilience and determination.
Karla is survived by her son Dr Douglas Fenton-Lee, his wife Carol, and her adored grandsons Robert and Thomas.
Her story is one of extraordinary achievement. It is also the story of a woman who gave deeply to her patients, to her community and to Jane. Her legacy lives on in the College she loved and in the many lives she touched along the way.
Vale Karla.