Funeral Notices

BIRKETT Irene May (May), on May 21, 2025

Peacefully at Coldstream Lifecare, Ashburton, aged 94 years.  Dearly loved wife of the late Ray.  Treasured Mum of Angela and Mike, and Sandra and the late Simon Bagrie.  Special Nana to Michael and Kim, and Olivia; Matthew and Tempany, Ashleigh, and Laura, and great-Nana to Brianna, and Asher.  Messages to May’s family, P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740.  Donations to Cerebral Palsy would be appreciated and may be left at the service.  A service to celebrate May’s life will be held at St David’s Union Church, Allens Road, Ashburton, on Wednesday May 28, commencing at 2.00pm, followed by interment at the Ashburton New Lawn Cemetery.

MORTON Rhonda Mae – On May 14, 2025

At Ashburton Hospital, aged 70 years. Loved wife of the late Robin. Much loved Mum of James. A service for Rhonda will be held in Our Chapel cnr East and Cox Street, Ashburton on Tuesday 20th, commencing at 10:30am, followed by private cremation.

JONES Mervyn Frederick, on May 13, 2025.

Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital, aged 95 Years. Dearly loved husband of the late Estelle. Much loved Father and Father in law of Robyn and George Davison (Invercargill), Glenda and David Johnstone (Christchurch), and Philippa Jones and Christopher Webster (Christchurch). Loved Grandad of Richard, and Emma; Tane, William, and Alice; step-grandad to Anna, and Julia, and great Grandad of Elise, Madeleine, Aidan, Estelle, Jack, Arlo, Olive and Agnes and special Grandpa to Cameron and Victoria. Messages to the Jones family c/o P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service for Mervyn will be held at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Havelock Street, Ashburton on Wednesday May 21, commencing at 10:30am.

CAIRNS Laura Anderson (nee Scarth) – On May 3, 2025

In her 86th year. Passed away peacefully at Rosebank Resthome, Ashburton surrounded by her adoring family. Loving wife of the late Graham. Cherished Mum and mother-in-law of Alison Cairns, and Malcolm and Kate Cairns. Devoted and proud Nana of Frederick, Henrietta, Wilbur, and Bruno. Beloved sister and sister-in-law of Rhona (dec) and Hugh, Alison, and the late Lynda. On the Cairns side, Rosalind and the late Don, and Audrey and Ian. Loved aunt of Andrew, Jocelyn, and Iain; Jane, Anna, and Ruth. On the Cairns side, Margaret, and Robert; Allister, Helen, and James. Lifelong carer, educator and champion of the children in her community. Our deep gratitude for the special and loving care provided by the staff and management at Rosebank Resthome over the past four years. Messages to the family of Laura Cairns PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service for Laura will be held at Rakaia Presbyterian Church, cnr Bridge and Bowen Streets, Rakaia on Thursday May 8th commencing at 1:00pm. Followed by interment at Barrhill cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to Mid Canterbury Playcentres may be made at the service.

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McCONNACHIE Margaret Grace (nee Muir), on April 21, 2025,

At Radius Millstream, in the love and care of her family, aged 87 years. Dearly loved wife and best friend of the late Kevin.  Loved Mum of the late Phillip , and Annie (Surfers Paradise). Loved and adored Mum of Ann and Mark Smith.  Dearly loved Nana of Glenn and Ainsley, and Mellory Smith.  Loved great-Nana of Indiana, Madison, and Teddy Smith.  Dearly loved sister and sister in law of Jennifer and the late Alf Scott, Robert and Thelma, David and Kath, and Jeff and the late Lorraine Muir. Loved Aunty Marg to her nephews and nieces.  Messages to Margaret’s family, P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740.  Ann would like to express her gratitude and appreciation to Dr Charlotte Cox, the wonderful carers and nursing staff at Radius Millstream and the nurses, carers and doctors at Ashburton Hospital.  A private service was held at Mum’s request. ‘Finally reunited with her love.’

SMART Mary Christina (Chrissie) – On April 22, 2025

At Radius Millstream, Ashburton, in her 98th year. Much loved wife of the late Gordon. Loved mother and mother-in-law of John and Lois, Ross and Averil, and Donald and Sally. Adored Grandma of 6, and great Grandma of 14. Many thanks to the staff at Radius Millstream and Dr Diane Young for their care of Chrissie. Messages to the family of Chrissie Smart P.O Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service for Chrissie will be held in Our Chapel cnr East and Cox Streets, Ashburton on Tuesday, April 29 commencing at 2pm, followed by private cremation at Ashburton Crematorium.

WRIGHT Rowena (Bae) (nee Wilson) on Saturday April 19, 2025,

At Ashburton Hospital in the care of her family aged 87 years. Loved wife of the late Alfred. Much loved Mother of Sally and the late Kerry. Cherished daughter of the late George and Annie. Loved sister of the late Marj, Garth, Murray and Bevan. Messages to the Wright family to PO Box 472 Ashburton, 7740. A memorial service for Bae will be held in our chapel cnr East and Cox Street, Ashburton, on Monday April 28, commencing at 2:00pm.

LOWE  Flora Ida Heather – On April 19, 2025,

Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital surrounded by family, aged 86 years. Loved wife of the late Ken. Much loved mother and mother in law of Allan and Jessica, Angela and Simon Boorer, Richard (dec), Edwin and Sarah, and Graham and Jenny. Adored grandmother to Emilie, Victoria, and William; Sam and Isaac; Rebekah, Jay and Daniel; Tyla, Dominique, Georgia and Abby. Cherished Great Grandmother of Pearson, Maggie and Freddie; Eddie and Kennedy; Blakely, Fergus, Oscar, Henry and Blair. Messages to the Lowe family, P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service for Flora will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Chapman Street, Methven on Thursday April 24 commencing at 2.00pm, followed by interment at Methven Cemetery.

MAGSON Grant Lamont – On April 20, 2025,

Peacefully at home, Dromore, Ashburton, aged 67 years. Dearly loved and adored best friend and husband of Andrea. Loving father of Alan, the late Richard, and Sara. Grandad of Jordan, Jayden, Tane, Poppy, and Charlie. Loved Grant of Alex and Seb, grandad to Holly and Ruby. Andrea would like to express her gratitude and appreciation to Dr Sue Fowlie, District Nurses and the Cancer Care Centre at St Georges Hospital. Thank you especially to our small inner circle of friends who enabled Grant to spend his time at home in privacy and with dignity as he wished.   Go with my love my darling. – Your Jack.                                                                               Messages to the Magson family, P O Box 472, Ashburton 7740. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society (Ashburton) would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A celebration of Grant’s life will be held at the Rakaia Memorial Hall, Elizabeth Avenue on Saturday April 26 commencing at 2.00pm followed by private interment.