The WA Camera Club is mourning the passing of one of its stalwarts.

Grace Munday, who originally joined our club in 1978, died on 18 August after a long battle with cancer.

Grace was a highly accomplished photographer and a warm-hearted contributor to the club, especially behind the scenes.

Former president, long-standing member and friend Phil Burrows observed: "[We are] saddened to think her talent and good heart have gone."

Young Grazia came to Australia from Italy with her parents in 1951. They settled initially in Brisbane. At age 24 she went to work sewing in a shirt factory. She had a cousin visit from Ingham, in the north of the state, who had a little box camera. So the teenage Grace also acquired one. She later graduated to a Minolta and latterly Nikon.

Grace spent her life working in hospitality in three states and later in childcare. Her ability with a camera in hand may have derived from creative family members – her father was a builder with an artistic streak and she had a cousin who was an artist.

The club conveys its sincere condolences to Grace's husband Michael. We will long remember her personality, generous spirit and gifted photographic output.