The Beaton family hosted Luciana (Lu) Vozza in 1981, and Paula Beaton went out on exchange from Gloucester. Paula, now Paula Middlebrook, has let Rotary know of the passing of Lu (as she was affectionately known)

It shows how the world is such a huge place, yet so small.

In these interesting times the involvement of Rotary in helping establish the lives of young people is made all the more relevant.

This year, many outbound Australian exchange students had to return early and none will go out next year due to COVID-19

But not Gloucester's Riko Fitzgerald, who continues with her adventure in Slovakia which she will see out for the full term.

The following are Paula Beaton's words:

It is with enormous sadness that the death of Luciana has been announced.

Lu passed away on the August 2, 2020 after a brief illness.

Some of us were lucky enough to have Lu join our lives in 1981 when she came to Gloucester, Rotary District 9650 as an exchange student from Brazil.

You couldn't miss her huge welcoming smile, it was the invitation to get to know her energy, sense of humour, thirst for fun as well as her fierce loyalty and all round fabulous personality.

Lu truly loved Australia and although she continued to travel extensively after her year here, we were lucky enough to have her return to our shores in 1991.

Lu was planning another trip to visit us, sadly this won't eventuate.

Those that knew Lu will always be richer for it.

She really was a kind, true and loving friend.

Her family have lost a wonderfully devoted pure soul.

Our deepest condolences are extended to them all.

All who met Lu were entranced by her naturally vibrant personality and were extremely fortunate to have crossed paths with such an extraordinary person.

Gone way too soon, loved forever xxx