whatsoninvers.nz provides daily updates for Acknowledgements, Death Notices and In Memoriams across Invercargill, Southland, Central Otago, Queenstown, and the wider South Island.
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BUTTON, Isabel Anne (née Purdue):
Anne passed away peacefully at Rowena Jackson surrounded by her loving family, on the 2nd of November 2026. Adored wife of the late Ray, cherished mother and mother-in-law to Jason and Diane, Mark and Rosie. Loved grandmother to her four grandchildren, Samantha, Emily, Holly, and Archie Loved sister and sister-in-law of Elaine and the late Bob, Raymond and Karen. A special thanks to Paula and Paddy, Tony and Linda for all their support over the years. As per Anne’s wishes, a private cremation has been held, with a celebration of Anne’s life to be held on the 5th of November at 12.30 pm at the Crematorium Kerb Plots Block 17 Plot 31. Messages to 130 Bain Street, Kingswell, Invercargill or left on Anne’s tribute page at distinctfunerals.co.nz
CAUGHEY, David Wallace:
Peacefully passed away at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village, on Saturday 31 October 2026. Loved son of the late Syd and Let Caughey. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Ronnie*, Maurice* and Mansel, Graeme* and Robyn*, Blair (Alexandra), Allan*, Liz and Alex* Iremonger, Irene and Warren Keen, and Geoffrey*. Loved Uncle of his nieces and nephews. Family sincerely thank the staff of Rowena Jackson for their care and kindness of David. A private service for David has been held. Messages to David’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes. (*denotes deceased).
CAUGHEY, Robyn (Georgena Robyn, née Day):
Passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at her home in Christchurch, aged 84 years. Beloved wife of the late Graeme Caughey and much-loved wife of the late Don Gardiner. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Karyn (Canterbury), Deane and Gillian (Blenheim), Gina and Michael (Christchurch), and Shane and Andy (Moana). Loved Nana of Georgia, Josh, Harrison, Callum, Mackenzie, William, Lachlan, Christopher and Amber. A Celebration of Robyn's very full life will be held in J Fraser and Sons Chapel, corner of Esk and Doon Streets Invercargill, on Saturday, 7 November 2026, commencing at 11am. Interment at Calcium Cemetery will follow where Robyn will be laid to rest alongside Graeme. Messages to Robyn’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where her livestream link is available.
CRUICKSHANK, Evelyn Mary:
Our dear Evelyn sadly passed away peacefully at Peacehaven Village (Invercargill), November 1, aged 85, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Neil, adored mother and mother-in-law of Pauline Kavanagh (Invercargill) Bob and Pam Thomas (Auckland), Murray Thomas (Rollerston), Kim and Sean McColl (Invercargill). Treasured Gran, GG, and Great GG to her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Much loved sister to Andrew and the late David and Kenneth Cleghorn. Auntie and Great Auntie to her many nieces and nephews. And the most loved 'outlaw' of the Thomas (Thomai) extended family. Evelyn always involved herself in her community and more recently was a much loved and respected member of the Invercargill 60's Up Movement, Southland Women's Club (including their Play reading group), and the Invercargill Parkrun. On behalf of Evelyn, her family wishes to thank everyone responsible for the very tender care she received from her home help (Sonia), Hospice Southland, and Peacehaven Village during her short but difficult journey. A memorial to celebrate her life is to be held in the Avenal Park Chapel, 75 Fox Street on Wednesday 11 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Southland would be greatly appreciated.
'You have now graduated dear Ev
and have your wings,
fly forever in peace'
If you wish to view the service via livestream, please go to the Avenal Park
website, obituaries page and click the link on Evelyn’s page. Message to
Cruickshank Family, C/- PO Box 1345, Invercargill 9840.
DONALDSON, Sylvia Adele (nee Brown) of Mosgiel / Queenstown:
On Sunday November 1, 2026, peacefully at Aspiring Care, Wanaka; aged 86. Loved wife of Graeme, adored mother of Stirling, Vanessa and Carson. Cherished Grandmother of Raymond, Tony, Damien, Jonathan, Rachelle, Karla, Matthew, Nishiki and Jasmine and Great Grandmother. Beloved Sister of Grace. A memorial service will be held at the Frankton Presbyterian Church, 50 McBride Street, Frankton, at 11am, on Tuesday November 10. Livestreaming at www.affinityfunerals.co.nz. Messages to 40 Stewart Street, Queenstown 9300.
HAYWOOD, Suzanne Mary:
7/5/1940 – 1/11/2026
Peacefully in the care of Longwood Riverton Rest Home with her loving family by her side. Dearly beloved wife of Albert Raymond for 65 years. Loved Mum of David and Debbie, Sandra and Lawrence, and Dianne and Graeme. Adored grandmother of Kelvin, Raymond, Jason*, Shaun, Mecaela, Chantelle*, April, and Cody and great grandmother of her 8 great grandchildren. A service to celebrate Suzanne’s life will be held in the Riverton Anglican Church, Riverton, on Thursday 5 November at 1:00pm, the service will conclude with the interment at the Riverton Cemetery. Suzanne’s family would like to thank the staff of Bupa Longwood for their care of their Mum and family. Messages to 237 Orepuki-Riverton Highway, 1 RD, Riverton 9881.
HERRIOTT, Elsie May:
On November 1, 2026, peacefully at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital, surrounded by her loving family; in her 105th year. Dearly loved wife of Syd*, much loved mum and mother-in-law of Sandra* and Steve Gillies, Trevor and Cheryl, Warren and Vicki, Steph and Bernie Halford, Phil and Moana*, Karen and Sam Booth and a loved grandma, great grandma and great great grandma of all her grandchildren (*denotes deceased). Special thanks to the staff at Montecillo who Elsie considered her "2nd family", for all their loving care. A service to celebrate Elsie's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 10.30am on Friday, November 6, followed by private cremation. Messages to 36 Saunders Street, Brockville, Dunedin 9011.
MATHIESON, Noeline Florence: (Of Heddon Bush and Winton)
Peacefully at Southland Hospital on Friday October 30, 2026. Aged 90 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Maurice. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Andrew and Jennifer (Melissa, Texas) and cherished nana of Tyler and Tristan. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Jenny and Geoff Wynn (Geraldine) and loved sister-in-law of the late Sylvia and Bill King, and the late Colin and Eudora Mathieson (Rangiora). Loved Aunt of Sandra, Stephen and Brenda, Margo and John; Sandy, the late Karen, David and Jan; Vicki, and Daimon. A service to celebrate Noeline’s life will be held in J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr. Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill, at 11am , on Wednesday November 4. The funeral will then leave for the Otautau Cemetery. Messages can be sent to 11 Niddry Crescent, Winton or to Noeline’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where there is a livestream link to the service.
MCDOUGALL, Ronald George:
Ronnie passed away on Monday 26 October 2026, aged 73. Dearly loved husband of Donna for 50 years and a much loved father and father-in-law of Craig and Rachel* and Ranee and Sam Callahan. Adored grandad of Ava, Lila, Lucia, and Quinn. Loved son of Gwen* and Joe* McDougall and brother of Stuart* and Peter. A loved uncle of his nieces and nephews. A private service has been held. Thank you to the staff at Southland Hospital, Winton Medical Services, Winton District Nurses, and Winton Pharmacy for the care and kindness shown to Ronnie. Also, thank you to the staff at Vickery Court for their care during his short stay. Messages to 70 Ryal Bush Wallacetown Road, RD 6, Invercargill 9876. (*denotes deceased).
MITCHELL, Maurice Morgan (MMM):
29 September 1931 – 30 October 2026. Passed away peacefully at Dunedin Hospital on Friday; aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of Hilary, much loved father and father-in-law of Virginia*, Janey and Mark, and Marc and Gayaleen, cherished grandfather of Brooke, Georgia, Mat and Hannah, and proud great-grandfather of Peyton. Loved brother of Alison*, Mavon, Corinne, Fergie*, loved uncle to his nieces and nephews and their families. (*denotes deceased) Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Dunedin Hospital, and Summerset at Bishops Court. A remarkable man of great intellect, strength and determination. Maurice possessed a brilliant legal mind and enjoyed a long and distinguished career, earning the respect of many throughout his life. A man of strong principles and unwavering conviction, who could appear to be stern but always had a heart of gold. Maurice lived life on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy of achievement, wisdom and treasured memories. A remarkable life, a remarkable man. Forever loved, never forgotten. A Celebration of Maurice's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, at 1.00pm, on Friday November 6, followed by private interment. Messages to the Mitchell family C/- PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054, or via Maurice's notice at hopeandsons.co.nz, where you can access the livestream.
MUNRO, Ann (nee Brown):
Ann passed away on 1 November 2026, aged 79 years, after an heroic battle with Melanoma. Peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Rowena Jackson Village. Beloved wife of Stuart for 57 years. Devoted Mum and Granny to Fiona and John, Felix, Benedict, and Sebastian; Tony and Diane, Zach, Georgia and Mia; Vanessa and Alex; Karen, Luella and Florence. Loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt the late James, David and Mary and family, Morris and the late Ronald. A service for Ann will be held on Monday 9 November at 10.30 am, in the beautiful garden surrounds of Argyle Cottage Garden, 19 Argyle-Otahuti Road, Waianiwa. Leaving at the conclusion for Ann’s final resting place at the Wyndham Cemetery arriving at approximately 2.00pm. In lieu of flowers donations for Southland Hospice or Blind Low Vision New Zealand would be appreciated and can be left at the service. Messages to 86 Newington Avenue, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010 or on Ann's tribute page where a livestream link can be found at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes
OWEN, Peter William:
Peacefully at BUPA Ascot Care Home, Invercargill on Monday, 2nd November 2026, aged 87 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Janet. Loved father and father-in-law of Bruce & Julie (Waimate), Dale & Nicky, and Ross & Leanne. Adored Grandma of all her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Cherished son of Harold* and Gladys* and son-in-law of Bill* and Myrtle* Bailey. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Bernie* and Janet*, Ian* and Leonie, Terry and Lois, Murray and Jocelyn, and Kevin and Jill, George* & Beth, Robin* & Gaye, Alan*, and Murray and loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Peter’s life will be held in the Southland Crematorium Chapel, Rockdale Road on Thursday, 5th November at 10:00am. Messages to 158 Inglewood Road, Newfield, Invercargill 9812
PALMER, Lynette (née Agate):
Died of a broken heart on Friday October 30, 2026 following the recent passing of her loving husband and life partner Lloyd. Dearly loved wife of Lloyd*, loved mother of Shiree, and Michael, loved mother-in-law to Mo, and loved grandma of Isaac, and Elijah. Lynette was the dearly loved daughter of Norman and Thelma, loved sister and sister-in-law of Mary and Russell*, Thelma and Len, Coral and Manuel*, Valda and Brian*, Mark and Sandra, Alistair*, and Charlie*, Tony, Wendy and Alan, Jill and Barry, Janice* and Bevan. Lynette was the dearly loved aunt of all her nieces and nephews, and by all who knew her. Her family would like to express their gratitude for the support they have received during Lynette's illness and in the days following her death. A private service will be held for Lynette in the Hope and Sons Chapel, Dunedin, at 2pm, on Thursday. Messages can be sent to 6 Falkirk Street, Dalmore, Dunedin 9010.
Acknowledgements and Memoriam's:
BALLANTYNE, Ellen May:
To everyone who cared for Mum. We wanted to take a moment to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of you who helped, cared for and supported Mum in the time before she passed away. Knowing that Mum had wonderful people around her, looking after her and making sure she was comfortable, safe and cared for and visited her, meant more to us than we can put into words. It gave us great comfort, particularly when we couldn't always be there with her ourselves. Mum was a strong-minded and independent woman who had always done things her own way, so we know she would have appreciated the kindness, patience and care you showed her. Thank you for all the little things as well as the big things - for your time, your kindness, your conversations with her, your help and simply for being there. Those things may sometimes seem small, but to Mum and to our family, they meant so much. Losing Mum has been incredibly hard for all of us, and we will always be grateful that her final days were surrounded by people who cared about her and treated her with such dignity, compassion and kindness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did for Mum. We will never forget your kindness and the difference you made to her final chapter. With heartfelt thanks, Jayne and Simon.