Melba HERD Obituary

Special memories

Mum loved to get dressed up. Off to a ball at the Resthome

Four Generations. Was always so proud of her Grandchildren

Mum and Me.

Gran and Douglas. Loved to have fun with the Great Grandies.

Eulogy

She, along with Dad spent many wonderful times with Auntie Ngaire and Uncle Jeff and Auntie Maureen and Uncle Blair.
Mum never sat her drivers' licence but that didn't stop her getting behind the wheel and driving home from the pub when no one else was
capable. I believe there was one accident but Auntie Ngaire will know these stories better than me.
When her grandchildren came along, they were a big part of her life and she was always there when needed. A much-loved grandmother.
Next came the four great grandsons and she really loved these guys. Few children get to spend so much quality time with a great grandparent, so we are all grateful that she was present in their lives for so long.
Mum also loved Dick like the son she never had.
We joked that if she remembered only one name it would be Dick.
Mum spent the last 18 years in care, first in Waterlea and then Woburn Home in Wellington.
That is a very long time. We never heard her complain or say why me instead she embraced her life in both these places and was dearly loved by staff and residents.
I remember receiving a photo of Mum dancing in the square on New Years Eve with the nurses from Waterlea.
Three years ago, Mum did some water colour paintings which are amazing considering she was so shaky even with a pencil in her hand. These, along with her beautiful knitting and handwork will
be treasured memories for us to enjoy/remember and hand down to the next generation.
Thanks to the staff at Woburn Home I was able to spend the last three days of Mum's life with her.
The fog of dementia lifted, and we shared some very special moments. Even though she was so frail she had a grip like a vice when she held my hand.
Her sense of humour was with her right to the end.
I said to her you can go Mum and she smiled, raised her eyebrows and said, where will I go.
She passed just as she lived her life, peacefully.
Thank you Mum for everything.
Rest easy

Thank you for being the best Gran in the world. We love you!

Nana,
My whole life is full of wonderful memories we have made together, from school holidays when you looked after me when I had chickenpox, taking me for my first big haircut when I got my hair cut short for the first time and walking in to town on a Saturday to get your hair done then going to the tea room at the back of the sewing shop for egg sandwiches and lolly cake. Then of course there were all the birthdays, Christmases, my 21st where you surprised me by coming to Auckland and my wedding. Thank you for being there for every important moment and thank you for loving your grandchildren as much as you loved me. I miss you more than you know!

Our memories
It was an honour and privilege to care for Dawn. She taught us a lot about dementia and love. She was always smiling, Her eyes were always sparkling with Joy. Every time she saw Sid the dog her eyes would light up and she would follow him. She loved interaction with Sid and all the staff. Dawn loved the cats Pops and Boots she thought they were hers, always wanting them to sit on her knee. Always interested in what you would say. Her great love was Christine, we had the privilege of getting to know Christine and her love for her mum.
Dawn was a woman of great faith this radiated from her, a real witness to staff and other residents.
RIP Dawn.
Love all the staff from Woburn Resthome.

Hey Chris. So sorry to hear about your mother. Not an easy time for you. Take care and sending you lots of love and hugs.
Alice and Geoff

Dear Christine and Family
It was with sadness that we learned of your Mum's recent death.My first memories of Dawn was her dancing at Friday group. Her face would light up and she would be tapping her toe at the sound of whatever music was being played. If it had a dance tune in it she could not resist, she had to dance. I was permitted to dance beside her but not with her.
We had so much fun together much to the entertainment of the rest of the group. She was so missed when she moved from Waterlea to join you.
Dawn is remembered for her shy smiles and most of all the twinkle in her eyes whilst dancing.
Kind Regards
Vivienne Dunlop.
Secretary Marlborough Stroke Club

Chris, just heard of your Mother's passing. Please accept my sympathies towards you and your family.
Thinking of you Vicki.

Just received the news about your Mum. Awful times. Please take this message as a huge hug and know we are thinking of you.
Rosemary and Bruce

Hello Chris.
We have just heard that your Mum passed away. We are sorry to hear that and in these tough times too.Thinking of you all.
Cherryl and Stewart.

Dear Chris and Dick.
We were so sorry to hear that your Mum had passed away.
With so much going on in this world this is so sad for you as you can't have your family around you.Dick will be a great support and hopefully you will be able to farewell Dawn at a later date. We are thinking of you and hope the lovely memories you have of your Mum will keep you going.
Much love
Pam and Ian.

To Chris Dick Andre Hadleigh and families. Aunty Dawn was a big part of my life. So many happy memories to treasure. Love to you all. Tonia and Mick.

Great memories over the years. Lots of laughs and a few tears. Wish we could have joined you to share your sorrow but our thoughts are with you all. RIP Dawn. Ngaire and Jeff

Chris, Dick and Family
Consider yourself hugged and thought of often.
Heather and Bruce

Chris, Dick and Family
I felt very sad hearing that dawn had gone.From school days we were always together, some times getting into trouble but having fun. I have lots of lovely memories, as you will.
Your Mother was very proud of you all and spoke of you often.
I'm so glad I managed to get down to see her and luckily Lynette was able to take me, your Mother recognised her which was nice.
Pleased you will be taking her ashes back to Blenheim to be with Doug. My thoughts and love to you.
Ivy

CHRIS, DICK & family.

Very sorry to hear of DAWN'S passing.

Dawn will be well remembered, & a loss for you all.

Chris, Dick and family, my thoughts have been with you all.I will always remember Dawn as my Godmother, Mums special friend and a classy elegant lady who used to send me your lovely dresses Chris when you had finished with them. So pleased we were able to reunite my mother Ivy and Dawn five years ago when we visited you all in Wellington. RIP xx

Sorry to hear about Aunty Dawn.....love to you all....Warren and I stay safe

Hi Chris, big hugs for you. So pleased to hear that you got to spend time with your Mum. Very special for you. Our thoughts are with you xx

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all xxx

Australia

Hello Chris, I am sorry to read that your mother has died. I never met her but through Facebook I had seen photos of you with her. I hope you'll be able to celebrate her life when life goes back to some sort of normality, love Dawn xx

United Kingdom

So sorry to hear about your mother Chris. Thinking of you all x

Australia

So sad to hear of your Mum's passing but so glad you were able to be with her. Love to you all from us both

So sorry. Thinking of you Chris and family. X x Fiona and Richard x x

United Kingdom

Hugs for you dear Chris, I am very sorry for your loss and in these straining circumstances! Stay healthy. XX

Netherlands

So sorry to hear of Aunty Dawn's passing. I have lots of very fond memories of her. Sending lots of love to you and your family. Take care

So sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences!

Los Angeles

Chris, I'm so sorry. Thank goodness you were able to spend time with her.

Washington DC

Oh Chris. That is such sad news and I am very sorry to hear that. It was lovely you got to spend precious time with her before she died, special indeed. Sending lots of love and hugs and thinking of you all xxx

Australia

Passing on our condolences to you and your family. Take care.

Australia

Our deepest sympathy to you & your family Chris. Big hugs. Xo

Australia

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, my dear friend. May you find comfort in the knowledge that she is now safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father. We are thinking of you in this difficult time.

Sorry for your loss love Chris take care my thoughts are with you all

So sorry to hear that aunty Chris. So glad to hear you got to spend time some time together, it's awful to imagine it any other way. Xxx

Melbourne, Australia

So sorry Chris to read your post. Your Mum has been a special person in your life and others..how nice that under this trying period you were able to be with her at the end.
Special thoughts to you and family. ❤

Chris, hugs to you

Australia

I am so sorry Chris, much love from Bill and I xxx

Thinking of you at this difficult time ❤

Sorry to hear of your sad news Chris. How glad you must be that you were able to move her to the Hutt to have her close by. Take care.

Sorry for your loss, thinking of you xx

Australia

So sorry to hear of your mums passing Chris. I remember her well from our days in Blenheim. My thoughts are with you all.

Much love to you all. I loved my Aunty Dawn very much.

Dear Chris, so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was a beautiful sweet lady.

Washington DC

Thoughts are with you and your family Chris. Very sorry to hear Xx

I'm so sorry to hear that Chris. You will miss her a lot. She was a lovely lady.
Heartfelt love for the loss of your mum xxx

John and I are so sorry to hear of your loss which must be particularly hard under these circumstance
Hugs and kisses to you and yours.

Dear Chris, so sorry to hear your Mum passed away. Very sad for you all my condolences, love and hugs. She is in a healthy place with people she knows and loves and my Jay! Glad you were there with her Chris for closure

Destin, Florida

So sorry to hear about this, thinking of you x

So sorry to here about your Mum are love and thoughts are with you all take care of each other whatever way you can in these very surreal times.
Love from all the Hearls in Auckland x

So sorry to hear this news Chris and Hadleigh. Thinking of you ❤

So sorry to hear of the loss of your much loved mum and how sad you can't have a funeral. Thinking of you and the family.

I'm so sorry to hear this Chris and my thoughts are with you and the family. xx

I remember Aunty Dawn with fond memories. Such a lovely lady, always dressed so beautifully and someone I admired. Sending all our love at this time Christine.

Australia

Good Morning Chris. Jeff just told me about your Mum so very sorry for you at a difficult time.All the best to you all.

Hi Chris,I just read your very sad news.All Mum's are special and I know your Mum was very special for you and your family and will be sorely missed. And I'm really feeling for you during these very surreal times when you can't celebrate her life in the normal way. However,as you grieve remember all the good times,the fun times and the joy she brought to your life. Take care, stay safe. Kia Kaha.

Thinking of you all and sending deepest sympathy and love . I have been saddened by Dawns passing and will always treasure the wonderful memories of our times together. Rest In Peace Dawn.

Dear Chris and Dick, Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your loving Mother and Mother in Law, we have had you both very much in our thoughts over these past four days. There is never a right time to lose your mother,you will have happy memories to keep in your heart.
Love and thoughts
Ruth and Ian

Hi Chris. I was sorry to hear about your mum.She was such a lovely lady. I loved going visiting her while you and Dick were in the US. Very sad to happen while we are all in lockdown too, makes it so much worse.
Much love to you and Dick.

Hi Chris and Dick, thinking of you at this sad time.Dawn was such an awesome lady.We spent some lovely times with her with our Christmas times together.
Lovely memories.
Deepest sympathy to all the Family.

I have many happy memories of sleepovers & eating lollies from little white paper bags at Mrs Herds', with her cosy kitchen & woodfire cooker. Rest In Peace Dawn. Kathryn & Jeff.

So sorry to hear about Aunty Dawn big hugs to you and your Family Chris xx

Chris I'm so sorry. I remember all the lovely pictures you used to post with your mother. My love to you and your family XXOO

Tampa, Florida

Love to all Chris and we all cherish the moments we had with Aunty Dawn xx

So very sorry for your loss Chris, it is very hard to lose someone so precious.

Australia

I am so sorry

USA

All the best Chris, our thoughts are with you

Australia

I'm so sorry to hear this Chris...Losing your Mum will leave a large gap in your life I'm sure. Deepest sympathy and thinking of you, xx

Sad news, Chris. Nice that you could spend some time together.

So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all.

I'm so verrrry sorry to hear of your mum's passing. Losing our teacher, confidante, nurturer is so difficult. I'm thankful they allowed you to be with her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. BIG HUGS to you with much love. Mike & Bernadette

USA

Sorry for your loss. Dawn lived next door to my grandparents Myra and Darby Pope in Hutcheson street, house on corner and opposite Joy and Ted Nicholas at 22 Hutcheson Street.

very sorry for your loss doing with the very good neighbour of mine live next door used to talk through the fence all the time Mr when she went the rest home but did visit with my little boy Lawrence from Caroline Warren and Lawrence Piesse

Condolences from the family of Pat and Hazel Gleeson. Michael, Topsy and Glenda. RIP Dawn.

We lived across the road from Dawn at 24 Hutcheson st. Saddened to read of her passing. Rest Easy Dawn xxxx

I remember Dawn when she used to live in Blenheim. I used to admire her as she was always so beautifully dressed and groomed. She always looked gorgeous.

Dear Christine and family, so sorry to read of your loss, the times we spent at one another's homes in our school years, wonderful memories of your parents. Our thoughts are with you. Christine and John Cross (née Ham)

Sending you all lots of love and hugs at this sad time. I have wonderful memories of Aunty Dawn, Uncle Doug, and the rest of the family in Blenheim as a child. We had so much fun exploring gardens and eating home baking. My memories first and foremost are of Aunty Dawn as one classy lady. Fondest, Jane xoxo

The world will be a poorer place with the loss of Dawn. We only wish we could have been with you during this sad time. Our love and blessings to you all.
Chris and Kim

I didn't know Dawn well but know she was loved so much by her family. Lucky Dawn. RIP.♥

Sad to read of Dawn's passing. Remembered with love our old neighbor from Hutcheson st days. The Weke Whanau from number 24 Hutch. Rest Easy Dawn xxx

Thinking of you at this sad time ,thanks for the wonderful job you and Dick have done over a lot of years to help Auntie Dawn have a comfortable life.

To Chris Dick Andre Hadleigh and grandchildren,
Our deepest sympathy to you all, Aunty Dawn was a very special, kind and caring Aunty. Special memories. We look forward saying our goodbyes and having a get together
Love to you all. Jeff &Gail Lee & Mark and families.

Our thoughts are with Chris, Dick, Andre, Stephanie, Hadleigh, Troy and her four great grandsons for the loss of an amazing lady. Dawn was a special person who had the love of everyone she came in contact with. She will be missed by all but is at peace now.

Sherryll and Kevin

Christine and Family
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Regards Phillip and CHeryl SOWMAN (Blenheim)

Think of you all and of lots of happy memories in Blenheim with Aunty Dawn and Uncle Doug. I'm sure you are finding a way to stick together while being apart during this even more difficult time. Take care.
Lots of love, Pip, Hayden, Harry and Oliver xoxo