25 Dec 1932 – 22 June 2026

Nola, who died this week, was a stalwart of Canberra bridge for many years.

Like many Army wives, she spent much of her life moving around with her husband, John, an Army officer. Before I knew her, Nola spent a long period in Townsville, part of which coincided with John’s active service in Vietnam. If I ever dared to challenge her view on a procedural matter at the table, she would remind me that she had directed in Townsville – only in jest as she was very pleased to have made the complete transition to player once she and John had settled in Canberra.

What a player she was; many learn to play the game effectively by various means but Nola was gifted. Evidence for this was her ability to judge highly competitive auctions accurately and this was backed by her courageous approach – after all, fortune favours the brave. As well as these skills she treated her partners and opponents kindly, ensuring everyone enjoyed the game as much as she did.

Her talent earned her a place on the Australian women’s team and fourteen appearances for the ACT women’s team. Her successes included three wins in the Interstate Women’s Teams, a win in the Interstate Women’s Pairs, a win in the Spring National Women’s Teams and a win in the National Women’s Teams in 2006. As I feared she might, she retired from competitive bridge very soon after that success – like Ash Barty, she knew when to go.

There was more to Nola than just the successful bridge player we all knew and admired. She also pitched in and helped in the running of the game. She shared my enthusiasm for golf, had a boundless sense of fun and was a great hostess. What more could you want in a bridge partner?

Vale Nola.

– Julia Hoffman

Posted in Latest News on June 27, 2026