In memory of Bernadette "Nin" Spelta

In memory of someone special...

Welcome to Forever in our Hearts tribute page. This page is a place for family and friends to share their memories of [name], as well as to raise donations to support the Heart Foundation.

The Heart Foundation funds life-changing research and programs for people with or at risk of heart disease, as well as their friends, families and communities. We're raising funds to support their work because Mum dreamed of a future free from heart disease.

Bernadette, affectionately known as Nin or "Wheeze", lived with the effects of Rheumatic Heart Disease from when she was a child. She remembers the early days of her condition being "Puffed out" during primary school.    She had a pioneering open heart surgery at age at 19 at Prince Charles Hospital (Brisbane) in 1970.   At age 49, with 3 teenage children, she underwent a mitral valve replacement and joined the "Zipper" Club.   The Heart Foundation provided resources to our family to prepare us and a "Heart Huggy" pillow which mum used for a long time as part of her recovery.  

In her final months, mum had attended numerous appointments to participate in Heart Research for an experimental tricuspid procedure.  Even in her last months, she was willing to help find answers which may benefit others. 

Throughout her life, mum was directly and indirectly supported by the Heart Foundation.   From the cardiac specialists, nurses and allied health staff involved in her lifelong care who had received scholarships and research grants, to the facilities, research outcomes and of course, resources, videos and counselling for our family on what was happening to her.  

Mum posted passed peacefully in Palliative Care at home, 25 April 2026,  aged 75.  Surrounded by family when the effects of congestive heart failure finally claimed her.   

I hope you’ll consider making a donation in honour of Bernadette's life. Your gift will support heart disease research, treatment and education that provide hope for thousands of Australians.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you’ll get a receipt by email as soon as you make your donation 

Thank you for your support.