Norma recently became the sole heir to a significant estate left by her late friend, Carol. Initially, many believed she had no living relatives until Betty, a cousin of Carol, saw a report on A Current Affair discussing Norma’s plans to demolish the family’s historic homestead in Sydney’s south-west. This revelation prompted Betty and her mother, Rhonda, to express their disappointment over not being informed about Carol’s passing or consulted regarding the demolition.
Norma, however, defends her actions by claiming she adhered to Carol’s expressed wishes. Confusion has since arisen concerning the whereabouts of Carol’s ashes.
In an official statement, Norma addressed whether she had informed Carol’s cousins, Betty and Rhonda, about Carol’s death. She stated that during Carol’s time at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in February 2022, Carol had shared her funeral wishes with Norma and specified attendees, which included only a few close friends and neighbors—none of whom were Betty or Rhonda.
Moreover, questions have emerged about Norma’s previous claims of possessing Carol’s ashes. On 4 April 2025, during the A Current Affair segment, she stated she had Carol’s ashes; however, the Rookwood Crematorium later confirmed they still had not been collected. Norma clarified that she was referring to the ashes of Wilma Hynson, Carol’s late mother.
Regarding the ashes, Norma indicated that she had engaged Elite Funerals, the same service used for Wilma, for Carol’s cremation. After the service, she aimed to retrieve Carol’s ashes but was told by Elite Funerals that they were not in their possession and weren’t aware of Norma’s intent to collect them.
In response to ongoing inquiries about whether she would collect Carol’s remains, Norma mentioned receiving reassurance from Rookwood Crematorium that they do have Carol’s ashes, which brought her relief.
This unfolding situation raises significant familial tensions and questions of inheritance, legacy, and the handling of final wishes. As the dispute continues, both Norma and Betty’s families navigate the emotional complexities surrounding loss, remembrance, and rightful entitlement.