Di Lenihan. The Curtain Comes Down On A Lifetime of Music

A rousing standing ovation. That was the richly deserved accolade accorded to a true trouper of music and musical theatre in Invers.

The Standing O was accorded as the funeral for the late Di Lenihan drew to a close on Monday afternoon.

Mourners came from near and far to honour and celebrate the life of Di Lenihan at a a packed St Theresa of Lisieux church.

To be honest I had been delaying writing this as the news of Di’s passing came as a bolt from the blue. I had known Di and some of her family through an involvement in Invercargill Musical Theatre.

Daughter Clare detailed her mum’s long involvement in many facets of music over the years including many, many years involved in Invercargill Musical Theatre, previously Invercargill Operatic Soc out the front in the orchestra then as musical director to behind the scenes serving on the committee and two terms as President.

Just recently Di Lenihan was appointed Patron of IMT.

Di was also pivotal in developing Verdon Collage’s highly successful Panache Choir, along with many school productions, the A Capella Singers as well as a strong involvement with the Choral Federation.

Clare also detailed many of her late mum’s musical achievements over many years when she was raising 4 young children.

Champion of Southland arts, the term used in the obituary in the Southland Times is a more than an apt description of the late Di Lenihan QSM.

Rest in Peace Di but rest assured that the show will go on!