Dedicated defender of social justice, freedom of speech and expression dies aged 82.
Carol Dettmann OAM, publisher and activist, who spent many years as a
committee member of Sydney PEN, has died aged 82.
Loving and beloved wife for 50 years of Nicholas Dettmann and mother of
Samuel, Jessica and Peter, Carol was born in Denver and raised in Littleton,
Colorado. She migrated to Australia in 1967 and had a long career in publishing.
She was a long time supporter of PEN Sydney and was a committee member for a
decade. She spent many hours devoted to PEN business and built the
membership to a level that has never been topped.
She was an advocate for refugees and asylum seekers; a lover of cats and the arts; a proponent of
Australian fine art photography; and a leader and a worker in her community.
Carol had a knack for connecting people and a gift for friendship.
She was an exemplar of kindness and generosity, optimism and positivity.