The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is honoured to recognise the extraordinary legacy of Maureen Ellen James (1951–2025), whose generous gift will help advance melanoma research and improve outcomes for Australians affected by melanoma for years to come.
Maureen was many things throughout her life: a businesswoman, major projects manager, mentor, traveller, golfer, tenpin bowler, and even a Grand Canyon whitewater rafter. But according to those who knew her best, she was above all else a devoted friend and a person who cared deeply about helping others.
Her lifelong friend, Rhonda Murray, remembers meeting Maureen in a Honeywell office in Waterloo, Sydney, during the 1970s. Alongside their friend Marilyn, the three women formed a friendship that would span more than five decades and take them on adventures around the world.
“The altruism of Maureen and family will significantly uplift the lives of hundreds of people who will benefit directly or indirectly from Maureen’s bequests.” – Rhonda Murray, lifetime friend of Maureen.
Maureen grew up in a family that valued kindness, generosity and compassion. Alongside her parents, Peter and Joan, she learned the importance of supporting those facing challenges in life and extending a helping hand to people in need. Those values remained with her throughout her life.
Following Maureen’s passing in late 2025, the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation was humbled to learn that she had chosen to leave a significant gift through her estate to support melanoma research.
It was one of several charitable bequests she made, reflecting a lifelong commitment to creating positive change and helping others. As Rhonda wrote in Maureen’s eulogy:
“The altruism of Maureen and family will significantly uplift the lives of hundreds of people who will benefit directly or indirectly from Maureen’s bequests.”
Through the establishment of the Maureen Ellen James Memorial Award, her generosity will continue to make a difference long into the future, supporting emerging researchers, and contributing to initiatives that improve outcomes for patients and families facing this devastating disease.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rhonda Murray for sharing Maureen’s story, and to the James family for their extraordinary generosity.
A simple phrase from Maureen’s eulogy perhaps says it best:
“To help others.”
Recipients of the Maureen Ellen James Memorial Award
Suzanah Boyd
Macquarie University
“I am honoured and grateful to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation for supporting this research. Through this project, we aim to develop a simple blood test that can identify early-stage melanoma patients at greatest risk of their cancer returning, helping to ensure that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.” – Suzanah Boyd
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