🕊️ Today’s Remembrances: Notices & Tributes 🕊️
View the latest Death Notices, In Memoriams, and Acknowledgements for the Southland region. Updated daily, Monday through Saturday.
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FORREST, Barbara Anne:
Barbara passed away peacefully at home in Te Anau on Thursday, 7th May, 2026 aged 74 years. Dearly beloved wife of Rex for the past 55 years, and devoted and loved mother of Mathew (Auckland) and Nicholas (Christchurch). Loved sister and sister-in-law of John and Jane Forrest (Christchurch), Shirley Forrest (Arrowtown), Alan Forrest and Anne Pilcher Gough (Riverton), Alan and Patricia Dennis (Invercargill), Adele Hunt*, Russell* and Sue Hunt (Taupo). Loved Aunt of her nieces and nephews. Very special thanks to the Fiordland Medical Practice, the Fiordland Community Pharmacy, the Te Anau District Nurses, and the Home Carers Jodi, Beccy, Madison, and Debbie who have all helped Rex and Barbara so wonderfully through Barbara’s dementia journey. At Barbara’s request a private family celebration of her life has been held. Messages c/o Winton and Districts Funeral Services, 306 Great North Road, Winton 9720 or on Barbara's tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes

JACKSON, Clara:
Died on her own terms, at Dunstan Hospital, Clyde, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after a brief illness, in her 95th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Maurice, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Barbara, Helen and Murray. Loved Nana of Matthew and Alicia, Jennie, Hayley and Michael, Lucy and Kienan. Loved Great-Nana of Riley, Jackson and Harper and dear friend of Peter Jackson. A private family service has been held. Special thanks to Dunstan Hospital staff for their beautiful care of mum in her last few days. Messages to 35 Antrim Street, Cromwell 9310.

MALLON, Patricia:
24.1.1938 – 30.4.2026
Pat has passed away peacefully in Tauranga. She taught for many years in Gore and Mount Maunganui. She loved playing tennis and golf in the sun during her retirement. She is now at rest, reunited with her beloved late husband and best friend, Ross.
Much loved and respected Mum and mother-in-law to: Nicki and Bryce, Jillian and Stephen, Tim and Vanessa, Meg and Keith, Gren (deceased) and Rosie, and Pene. Cherished "Pat" to her grandchildren: Ryan, Ricky and Daniel; Harry, Caroline and Juliet; Elliot and Martha; Sydney, Kobe, Zuleika and Alexa; Niko, Lucca and Siena. Loved great-grandmother to: Isabella and Beckett; Indie and Walter; Madison and Logan. In accordance with Pat's wishes, a private family service has been held. Communications to the Pat Mallon family, c/- PO Box 3136, Tauranga 3142.

MITCHELL, Norma:
Peacefully at Hospice Southland, on Friday, May 8, 2026, aged 74 years. Adored wife of Bryan, loved and cherished Mum and mother-in-law of Patricia and Ritchie Christie (Invercargill), Belinda and Clayton Knapp (Edendale), and treasured Grandma of Bea, Mitchell; Gabby, Keegan, and Arden. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Elaine and Brian Kelly, Ewen and *Diane Milne, *Pam and Ewan Weir, Alex and Karen Milne, Michael and Michelle Milne, Christine Milne, Garry and Barb, Kerry and Pam, and loved aunty of all her nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Norma will be held in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 12, at 12.30pm followed by the interment at Wyndham Cemetery. At Norma's request, please wear bright colours. Livestream available at southernfuneralhome.co.nz. Respectfully in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Southland. Messages to: 4 Raglan Street, Wyndham 9831. (*denotes deceased).

McLEAN, Wallace "Wally":
5/06/1960 -7/05/2026 Passed away suddenly after an extended illness, and a very long battle fought like a warrior, on Thursday 7th May 2026. Much loved best friend and soulmate of Steph for 50 years. Loving Dad of Shae, Ben, and Emma. Precious Papa of Jai, Ryder, Paddy, Amber, Benson, and Conner. Loved brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and uncle to his large extended family.A service to celebrate Wally’s life will be held on Monday 11th May, at the Intercultural Church, 51 Centre Street, Invercargill, commencing at 1.30 pm.In lieu of flowers, a koha would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support over the past six months.Messages to 146 Black Road, RD 9, Invercargill, or may be left on Wally's tribute page at distinctfunerals.co.nz.

McLEARY, Gwendoline Mary (Gwen) nee Turner:
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Peacehaven Village on Thursday 30th April 2026, aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Hugh. Much loved mother and mother in law of John*, Bob and Judith, Liz*, Jenny and Ross, Peter and Deborah, Dot and Ken, and Alan. Loved Nana of her 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Loved sister and sister in law of Mocky* and Melda Turner, Jack* and Helen* McLeary, and Kath* and Dougald* McKenzie. Loved Aunty to all her nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Peacehaven for their love, care and support of Gwen. As per Gwen’s wishes a private service has been held. Messages to 217 George Street Invercargill or to Gwen’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes (*denotes deceased).

MOYNIHAN, Mary Rita “Marita” (nee Hailes):
Passed away in Invercargill, on Sunday 3rd May 2026, aged 93 years. Loved wife of  Lex*. Daughter of Cornelius* and Elizabeth* Hailes. Loved mother and mother-in-law of John & Jenny, Paul & Kaye, Terry & Shelley, Clare & Bernie Zyskowski, Alex & Tina, Mark & Rosemary, and Julie. Loved sister and sister in-law of Pat* & Don*, Kevin* & Dorothy*, Eddie* & Anita*, Les* & Pattie*, Wyn*,  Arthur* & Margaret*, Tom* & Judy*. A Loved Grandmother and great- grandmother. Sadly missed by her nieces and nephews. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Great North Road, Winton, on Saturday 9th May, at 11am. Messages may be sent C/o PO Box 1380 Invercargill and digital messages to Marita’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream of the service may be viewed. (*denotes deceased).

NATHAN, Ronald William (Ron) (The Coalman):
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron after a short illness. Dearly loved husband of Isabell. Father of Juan, Sean*, and Karim and Karla. Koro to River, and Maia. Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Joe*, Sadie, and Judy and Angus and a loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Dearly loved stepdad and grandad of Neal, Cheryl, Phillip and Rhonda Godden and their families. Aged 86 years young. A Memorial service for Ron will be held in the Avenal Park Chapel, 75 Fox Street, on Friday, 15th May at 2:00pm. If you wish to view the service via livestream please go to the Avenal Park website, Obituaries page and click the link on Ron’s page. Messages to R Nathan Family, C/- PO Box 1345, Invercargill 9840.

REINKE, Thelma Christina:
Unexpectedly, at Southland Hospital, on Thursday, 7 May, 2026.
Aged 95 years.
Dearly loved wife of the late Basil.
Most treasured and so loved Mum and mother-in-law of Judith (Judy) Christie, Phillip and Louise.
Adored Nana and Great Nana of Glen, Sam, Emerson, and Alfie; Andrea, Shannon, and Indi; Ayden, Matthew, Hannah and Giuseppe.
Dearly loved daughter of Thomas* and Irene* Woodward.
Loved sister and sister-in-law of Les* and Jean*, Sylvia* and Alister* Winter, Victor*, Shirley and Bob* Valli, Dawn* and Max* Collett, June and Erik* Templeman, and John* Black, Norman* Reinke, Daphne* and Frank* Silvester.
“With tears we saw you suffer as we watched you fade away.
Our hearts were almost broken, as you fought so hard to stay.
We knew you had to leave us, but you never went alone.
For part of us went with you the day you left your home."
A service to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held at Southern Funeral Home Chapel, 106 Hokonui Drive, Gore, on Thursday, 14 May, at 1.30pm, followed by light refreshments, then leaving for Charlton Park Cemetery. A special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Resthaven for all their loving support and care of Thelma over the past four and a half years, and thank you to all the staff at Southland Hospital. Messages to 54 Koa Street, Gore, 9710. (*denotes deceased).

ROBERTSON, John:
On April 22, 2026, passed away peacefully at Leslie Groves Hospital, Dunedin, aged 82 years. Loved husband of Georgie, loved father and father-in-law of Andrew and Shelley, Rachael and Chris, loved Grandad of Megan, Kate and Julia; and Robbie and Tom, loved son of Colin* and Marjorie*, son-in-law of George* and Elsie* Sutton, brother and brother-in-law of David and Mara Robertson (Palmerston North), Bruce* and Lorraine Robertson (Alexandra), Jocelyn and Mike Paterson (Mosgiel), Heather and Dave Kerr (Wanaka), Barbara Sutton (Auckland) and Doug Sutton and Maureen Molloy (Waipu); and a loved uncle to his nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at Leslie Groves for their excellent care of John. Friends and family are invited to a memorial gathering to share stories and refreshments at Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka, at 2.00pm on Friday, May 22, 2026. (*denotes deceased).

RUTLAND, Shirley Ann:
Shirley passed away after a short illness on the 7th May 2026. Much loved wife of Murray*, much loved mum to Ben & Kelly, Sarah, Leo & Kim, and David. Much loved nan of Latreece, Tori, Dylan, Zane, Billy, and Charlie. Daughter of Pat* and Emma* Carroll. Loved sister of Scoie and Glenis, Rose and Max, Jo and Peter, Tammy and Kerry, Min and Dave and a much loved aunty to all. A special thanks to the staff at Southland Hospital, Hospice Southland and the District nurses. Shirley's Funeral service will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2026, 1pm at the Mossburn Community Centre. Messages to 3 Hero Street, Lumsden 9730 or on Shirley's tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream link will be available.

WILKES, Janice Margaret Louise:
Peacefully after a long illness on the 6th May 2026; aged 66 years. Dearly loved daughter of Anita and the late Geoff Butcher. Loved older sister of Eric and Svetlana. Gaynor and Jon, and the late Hillary. Much loved mum, mother-in-law and Mamgu to Emma, Kris and Madison. David and Helen. Thank you to the kidney specialists at Dunedin hospital, staff at Clutha health first and the Otago Community Hospice for your wonderful care and support of mum. At Janice’s request a private cremation has been held. In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.
“bydded i freichiau angylion ei phlygu, gorffwysa mewn heddwch - may the
arms of angels enfold her, rest in peace”
*Messages to: 177 Main Road, Fairfield, Dunedin 9018, New Zealand

Acknowledgements and Memoriam's:

IRWIN, Ian:
Iona, Barbara, Amy, Jenna, Breanna and families share in our heartfelt thanks to extended family, friends and neighbours for your kindness and support on our much-loved Dad and Poppa's passing. In particular, we wish to acknowledge and thank those that travelled from afar and were an important part of Dad and Mum's life. To Rachael and Nicky from Fraser's, a sincere thank you for your compassion, skill, support and care of our Dad. To Sharyn Payne, you truly reflected and captured Dad especially in the poem you wrote that we all appreciated, thank you. To Alasdair McKenzie thank you for piping at Dad's service. A sincere thank you to everyone at Peacehaven who cared, teased and joked with Dad, gave him companionship and joy. In particular, we are grateful to everyone who visited Dad, including Roxy and her parents, and St John Pet Therapy. Finally thank you to Invercargill Rodeo Association who acknowledged Dad's passing, as a life member at the recent rodeo. We have been so blessed and privileged to have such amazing parents/grandparents, but we are comforted that they are reunited and at rest overlooking their district and farms that they so dearly loved. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement and gratitude for the many ways of support and love we have received and the respect shown to our dear Dad and Poppa.

SMITH, Maureen Audrey: 10-4-1952 ~ 10-5-2025
A very special sister-in-law and Aunty who is deeply missed by Marilyn and Ross, Doug, Nathan and extended family.
Precious Memories are forever
We love you Maureen xxxxx

SMITH, Maureen Audrey:
People say time heals, but the truth is, losing you has left a space in my heart that can never be filled. A whole year has passed, yet it still feels impossible that you are no longer here beside me. I miss you, and simply having you nearby. Home is not the same without you. Life is not the same without you. You were my best friend, my wife, my strength. We shared so many memories together, and I hold onto every one of them tightly. Sometimes I catch myself wanting to tell you something before remembering you’re no longer here,  Maureen, thank you for the years you gave me and for the  memories you left behind. You will always be the biggest part of my life, and I will carry you with me until we meet again. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever my wife. Wazza.️

SMITH, Maureen Audrey:
Tomorrow marks one whole year since I had to say goodbye to my best mate. The 10th of May will forever be etched into my heart the day the world lost someone so deeply loved and so unforgettable. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, miss you, or wish I could hear your voice one more time. There is an ache that never truly leaves when you lose a sister. You were more than family you were my friend, my comfort, my laughter, and you were just my mate and a part of me that can never be replaced. I miss the little things the most the conversations, the memories we shared,  Life carries on around us, but it has never felt the same without you in it. Grief has taught me that love never dies because if love alone could have kept you here, you would have stayed forever. Maureen, I loved you beyond words and i have missed you beyond measure. I carry you with me every single day in my heart, in my thoughts, and in all the memories I hold so tightly. Until we meet again, I love you always. Sharron and David

SMITH, Maureen Audrey:
One year has passed since we lost our beautiful Aunty M, and not a day goes by that we don’t miss you and think about you. Even though we are all over here in Australia, you have always remained such a big and special part of our lives. Distance never changed the love we had for you, and it never will. We carry so many beautiful memories of you in our hearts your kindness, your warmth, your smile, and the way you always made us feel loved. It’s hard to believe it has been a whole year since we had to say goodbye. Losing you left a sadness that words can never fully explain. There are still so many moments where we wish we could pick up the phone, hear your voice, or share another laugh with you. Aunty M, thank you for all the love and care you gave us throughout our lives. We will forever treasure the memories we made with you and hold them close every day. You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Forever loved and deeply missed. Love always, Alana, Sharna. Lucas. Jordan and Regina.

Kelvin WIKAIRA Obituary

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dearly loved Kelvin Harry Charles Wikaira aka Hochi, on May 3, 2026, aged 73. Kelvin was treasured and cherished by his family, and everyone he knew. He touched the lives of so many with his kindness, strength, humour and blessed words. He will be deeply missed every day and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure,
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Your daughter will be waiting with open arms"

Your loving family Denise, Carl, Michelle, Kelvin jnr, Cody, Madisen, Kadyn, Jamie, and Kelsy. A Private Celebration for Kelvin will be held.