24.08.1955 – 08.08.2026
Susan Wraight was one in a million, the kindest and most loving sister, friend and beloved wife to the late, Ray Stebbins.
Sue trained originally as a jeweller, but after discovering the traditional Japanese art of Netsuke, miniature wood carvings once used to fasten a kimono sash, she was inspired to shift her craft to this smaller-scale sculptural medium. Working in fine woods and materials like Tagua nut, amber, and mother of pearl, she drew inspiration from nature to create tiny carvings full of mischievous life.
Sue was much loved by her family, close friends and her community.
Date:
A wonderful celebration of Sue’s life was held on Saturday 3rd October, 2026
Location:
Oaktree Anglican Church
281 Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield North Victoria
To watch a recording of the ceremony CLICK HERE
Notes:
Please share your messages & memories of Sue in the Guestbook below
You might like to make a donation to MND Victoria, a charity close to Sue’s heart
Sue, your presence with us on earth will remain burning in our hearts. God gave you an effervescent personality and you touched so many people. I will miss our annual get together when Ken and I visit Melbourne each year. Rest easy with the Lord, dear friend, and dance gleefully with Ray in heaven with our Father God.
Deeply saddened at the sudden loss of gifted and special Sue.
Sue was my sister in law and married to my late brother Ray and was such a large part of our family for many years and will be sadly missed as we all shared so much laughter and joy throughout the years
There really doesn’t feel like there
are any adequate words to express
this immense loss. Love always to you Sue
Sue was a truly special person, welcoming (I can still hear Sue’s distinctive hello in my mind when I think of her), understanding and a very skilled Netsuke carver. Sue was someone you always could learn from. While we will miss her greatly, we are thankful for the wonderful person that she was and for the impact that she had on those who knew her. Rest in Peace Sue.
Dear Sue,
You will be greatly missed, and dearly remembered. You were such a good friend and loyal support during both happy, but also challenging times. Twenty-three years of love, encouragement, bold faith-adventures and caring friendship is a rare and beautiful gift to impart to anyone, and that is what you gifted to me. I will always remember your compassionate care, deep faith, commitment to God, and willingness to step up into new roles—especially your mentorship of those who were new to faith and ministry; and your tenacity in praying for those in need of healing and compassion. Thank you for the many years of supporting the Prayer Ministry—you have made such a difference to so many people. Rest well in the arms of God, dear friend. You will be greatly missed, but joyfully remembered. All my love, Debby Durie
We haven’t seen Sue for years, but we still remember her smile. Her smile to us was always connected to the sunshine, the birdsong, and the loving and relaxed atmosphere. To us, she was always very energetic, and looked young in her face and eyes. We were looking for photos with her, and to our surprise, we did not take any together. We should have. She was very, very encouraging, and she was one of the reasons that made us feel Oaktree was like our home. We miss her very much.
What a joy it is to have known Sue. We are all so grateful to have known Sue, and will hold our memories dearly. We praise God for Sue, in her wisdom, loyalty, faithfulness and for the light she bought into our lives.
Vale Susan Wraight
Farewell dear friend
Farewell to all those wonderful years of knowing you
Farewell to our friends around the corner
Farewell to a confidante and a prayer warrior
We will miss you in so many ways
We will miss your love of life, your love of friends and family, and your love of God
We will miss those happy times, and sharing in those sad times too
We will miss sharing in the big things, and in the silly little details of life
Thank you for all that you were to us
Thank you for a life well lived
Thank you for your strong and resilient faith
And thank you for the examples that you left as your legacy
Susan and Chris Foley
We also have had our lives touched by Sue Wraight’s delightful effervescence, her warmth, intelligence, openness, genuineness, her bubbly personality and her brilliant netsuke art. When Ray Stebbins headed abroad in 1979, to study at The Royal College of Art in London, little did we expect that he would return to Australia with more than a Masters Degree in Gold and Silversmithing. Hello Sue Wraight.
We were delighted to discover that he had met and obviously been very captivated by one of his fellow students at the RCA, the utterly charming, extraordinarily talented Sue Wraight. Ray returned to Melbourne in 1981 and it was not long before Sue joined Ray in Australia and were fellow teaching colleagues at Melbourne State College (soon to become part of The University of Melbourne.
Whilst Gail and I were travelling in Japan in 2019, we visited the National Museum in Tokyo to observe several (15) of Sue’s superb netsuke art works on display. Sue’s work had been purchased by one of the Japanese Crown Princes. Whilst admiring her work, we messaged Sue in Melbourne to tell her where we were – much to her delight.
A few years prior to our visit to Japan, Sue had been invited to a special ceremony in Kyoto, (where more of Sue’s netsuke art is exhibited), where Sue was presented with a special award for her Contribution to Japanese Culture. A truly great acknowledgement of her magnificent work.
As we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of Sue, we will never forget her smiling face and appreciate how our lives have been greatly enriched for having known such a talented, caring and beautiful person.
Sue was one of those special people, a joy to be with, and a delightful person with an infectious smile and laugh. I met Sue when she moved to Melbourne with Ray many decades ago. We were lecturing in art at Melb Uni and often talked for hours after our classes. Sue was a master artist with a substantial international reputation but was always humble and unassuming. Over the years we shared many dinners with Sue and Ray and other close friends as we all loved great food and wine. Sue had a great sense of humour and was fun to be with. She was kind, sensitive and cared for Ray throughout his illness with deep love, compassion and total commitment. She often spoke that it was her deep faith that supported her and enabled her to keep going. The podcast that Sue created about Ray’s VAD is such a beautiful and profoundly moving story of love, sadness and immense inner strength. We will all miss her delightful company and friendship.
Sue often read the set Bible text at our services. She relived the words with understanding, adding just the right emphasis of solemnity or sheer delight that made her readings so memorable.
She served on Dr Mark Durie’s Institute for Spiritual Awareness Committee as a Member or supporter. How we valued her professionalism, wisdom and insight across a decade.
Over the years when visiting, I loved sitting in Sue & Rays magical garden sipping tea or coffee engaging relaxed conversations. I was always amazed at the beautiful Netsky miniature figurines that were born out of Sue’s wondrously creative imagination. In some ways those perfectly formed precious objects, I perceived as children of her boundless creative fertility. So long dear friend you made life for many that much sweeter.
I am so grateful to Jesus for the gift of Sue! What a blessing to me, and so many around the world. Sue has been the number 1 encourager of so many, and I was so personally encouraged by her in the time that I served at Oaktree. Sue was always ready for a cuppa and a chat, always gave of her time, energy and love. Sue was always considered – giving new opportunities a go, but also wanting to keep valuing what had been. I am mostly so grateful for Sue’s deep love for Jesus, and her joy in seeing others know and love Jesus. What a joy to think of her partying in heaven, even as we grieve her loss here.
I am so grateful to have known Sue for over a decade through Oaktree church. She was just the most wonderful person – so kind and caring, such great fun to be around. So educated and wise, but never imposing of her opinions. So very talented and world-renowned, and yet so humble. I always knew I had Sue in my corner, cheering me on, sending me encouraging messages, praying for me. Her faith was an inspiration, her prayer list ever growing, so generous with her time. She endured so much with Ray’s illness and suffered his loss with such dignity. I loved her zest for life and her mischievous sense of humour. We are broken hearted to lose her so soon, but I give thanks for the incredible person she was, her friendship and look forward to a heavenly reunion.
Dear Sue, what a shining light of GOD’S love, Sue showed this in her life & always willing to be in prayer.
I first met Sue when I came over from Perth on holidays from time to time to spend time with Matt, Erin& family& when I finally moved to Melbourne 10 years ago. I loved seeing her waving to Zoom folk, Sue excuded the love of our dear LORD JESUS. We miss you & as hard as it is now in Heaven such a better place,
all at Oaktree past & present do miss you
I got to know Sue many years ago as Sue’s late husband Ray and my late wife Lynda were cousins. Sue used to refer to me as her “cousin in law”! Lynda and I used to often catch up with Sue and Ray over the years and had many wonderful times together. Some years ago, Lynda and I lived at Carnegie for a couple of years and attended Oaktree and worshipped with Sue and the wonderful people at Oaktree. It was a truly blessed time. On hearing of Ray’s passing, I rekindled contact with Sue and whenever possible caught up with her when in Melbourne. (I live at Lakes Entrance.) We had many wonderful times together. Sue had a strong faith in Jesus and lived a life of service to Him, her church and the wider community. I, like so many others will really miss her. Rest in peace Sue, till we meet again.
Unusually for me I am finding it hard to say all that you, Sue, brought to this world, to me & everyone who met you.
Sue you were the very first friend I made after moving to Melbourne from W.A. and continued being my friend.
If anyone was in need & you were able too, you were always there lending you support.
Personally you helped me through several really difficult times as only you could do & I will always be truely grateful & blessed.
Just by being you Sue, your faith, encouragement, happiness, & kindness was a strength passed on & received by all who met you. We will all, collectively & individually miss you.
Rest in our Lords comforting arms.
The world has lost a wonderful Christian whose light lit up our too dark world. So many people will miss you Sue. I loved chatting to you at Oaktree over many years, the way you led services with warmth and enthusiasm, led the prayers and read from the bible. I particularly remember one ‘Women in Advent’ event that you helped to organise and at which you showed us some photos of your amazing carvings. You were always so modest that few of us realised there was a world class artist in our midst with work in the British Museum, the National Gallery of Australia and many other prestigious places. May you rest in peace after a life extremely well lived, leaving many people who loved you.
Dear Sue You and Ray came into our lives at St Mary’s in the early 90’s. We worshipped together became firm friends and we both loved to serve at Oaktree over the years.
We spent special Occasions Birthdays and other milestones with culinary feasts at each others homes.
Ray and you will be truly missed until we meet again. Love John & Olga
Sue, you cherished the Lord Jesus in your heart. And His light and love radiated out from you wherever you went and in whatever circumstances you found yourself in. It was my great privilege to be your pastor for a season, and for Daisy and myself to know you as a dear friend. The words of the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 surely are most apt for you Sue.
Dearest Sue, you spread joy wherever you went. You were a wonderful example of what it really means to follow Christ. You were such a big part of the fabric of Oaktree church and we remember the numerous ways you served over the years. We greatly miss you but we give thanks for the privilege of knowing you. You can rest in peace with your beloved husband Ray in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Sue was an inspiration to us all with her infectious laugh, engaging accent and her love of life and those around her. She was also a faithful friend and prayer warrior. We will miss her dearly.
We are deeply saddened by her sudden passing. It was such a privilege to welcome Sue to Emmanuel Iranian Church recently. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine love for people touched us deeply, and we are very grateful for the time we were able to share with her.
Sue will be greatly missed, but her kindness and the impact of her life and ministry will be remembered. Our love and prayers are with her family, friends, and the whole Oaktree Church community.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18
With love and prayers,
Hoda & Kaveh
Emmanuel Iranian Church
Sue was one of the first people to befriend me when I moved to Melbourne from Qld 15years ago. Sue (and Ray) extended their friendship, hospitality, prayers, joy and love for years to follow. Such dear people and so greatly missed. She has inspired me in so many ways.
We have lost a shining light and kindred spirit but heaven has gained an angel. Sue was an incredible person, truly one of a kind, and made me want to be a better person. She will be sorely missed by so many because she was so treasured and such a beautiful soul. Vale, dear friend.
Sue believed that faith, hope and love are contagious, just as grumbling, anxiety and complaints are contagious. Bless you Sue for being such an encourager to all who knew you.
The world is a bit dimmer with the passing of this gentle soul.
She was my friend, mentor, ally, advocate, defender, confidante, partner in crime, partner in prayer and cooking, my spiritual sister and encourager.
Sue’s work is in museums, cathedrals, private and royal collections all over the world, but most of all, in our hearts.
She was universally loved.
Where she once stood beside me is a huge hole.
Fly High Sue, until we meet again in God’s presence.
Jenny & the rest of Sue’s family & dear friends, my heart goes out to you all. I got to know Sue over the time of Ray’s passing and our subsequent work in making the podcast about the impact and experience of going through VAD with a spouse. She was an absolute delight and I felt lucky that we were beginning to form a friendship. I am honoured to be able to assist in helping you celebrate her life, together with the team at Tomorrow Funerals, Kate Morgan.