Funeral Notices are published daily at 6:40am Monday to Saturday, a free community service provided by whatsoninvers.nz
If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam
or acknowledgement listed email it in word doc or PDF to [email protected]

ALEXANDER, Karl Leonard (Axle):
Suddenly on 2nd October 2025. Aged 50. Dearly loved youngest son of Elaine and Lindsay. Loved Brother of Nicola and Bryan*. Much loved Uncle of Bailey, Declyn, Cassidy* and Shayla*. And friend to many. Rest in peace Karl.
Keep on trucking
A private family cremation has been held. A memorial is to be held in Geraldine at a later date. Messages to 15 Argyle St, Balclutha 9230 or on Karl’s tribute page mwfunerals.co.nz/s/axle *Denotes deceased.

ANDERSON, Beverley:
Peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Clutha Views Lifecare, aged 93 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Massey, and treasured mother and mother-in-law of Paul and Maree (Brisbane), Rodger (Lawrence), and the late Suzanne. Much loved Nana Bev of Loretta and Tilby, Anthony and Marisa, Taelah, Max, Peyton and McKenzie. A beautiful soul now reunited with Massey and Sue.
Our angel flying high to meet up with loved ones gone before.
Forever remembered for her warmth, her generosity, her love of baking (especially those famous chocolate chip cookies), her beautiful garden, and the way she made everyone feel at home. Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Clutha Views for their care and kindness to Bev. At Bev's request, a private memorial service will be held. Messages to 14 Ardrossan Street, Lawrence 9532.

CAVANAGH, Debbie Jane:
Passed peacefully at home on 4 October 2025. Dearly loved daughter of Harry and Shirley Neylon. Cherished sister of Shane. Much-loved mother of Ricky and his wife Nicole, Nathan, and Rachael. Adored Nan of Harry, Charlie, Alexah, Karson, and Makalah. Lifelong friend to Suzy. Special friend to Bart.
You will be dearly missed. "Now we can wear shoes inside."
As per Mum’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated in her memory. The family deeply appreciates your love and support at this time. Messages may be sent to Debbie's tribute page at distinctfunerals.co.nz

CLARKE, George Edward:
Passed away peacefully after a long illness in the loving care of Clare House, on Saturday 4 October 2025 surrounded by family; in his 84 th year. Loved partner of Stephanie, loved father and father-in-law of Tony and Bryony, Jacqui and Tony, Grant, and Aaron. Loved grandfather of Leigh, Olivia, Jared, and Ava. Treasured friend of Maureen and Trevor. A dedicated follower over the years of his sporting passions. Special thanks to Clare House for their love and support on our family journey. As per Georges wishes a Memorial Service will be held at the 2NZEF Club Don St, Invercargill, on Friday the 17th of October at 1.00pm. Feel free to wear something red to the service. Messages to 39 Maitland St, Invercargill 9812.

CLEARWATER, Eric James:
Passed away peacefully on October 8,2025; aged 96 years. Dearly loved husband of late Merle Clearwater, dearly loved father of Roger and Cheryl, Graeme and Linda, Alan and Glenda, much loved grandad of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A special thanks to all the caring staff of Parata Rest Home. According to Eric’s wishes a private service will be held. Messages to 11 Thomas Street, Gore 9710.

GIBSON, Mary Lorraine, (nee Dickey) (of Piano Flat):
Unexpectedly at Dunedin Hospital, on Monday, October 6, 2025, aged 84 years. Cherished wife and best friend of the late Ron, loved Mum and mother-in-law of Shaughan and Sarah, Anton and Liz, Margo and Skip Johnston, Anna and Brian Sparrow, Rachael and Trevor Bellaney, loved and proud Nana Mary of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved sister of the late Raymond (Twiggy) Dickey. As per Mary's request, a private graveside service has been held. Messages to: 10 Romney Place, Gore 9710.

HENDERSON, Maurice Raymond (Mo):
Dianne, Justin, Julie and families wish to thank everyone for your support, visits, donations to Hospice, cards, food and flowers, in the recent loss of Maurice (Mo). Thanks to Rachael (J Fraser and Sons) who went above and beyond her duty for the guidance and support that made this very sad time a little easier and thank you to Sharyn Payne for her support and officiating the service. Thank you to Warren Petterson for his kind tribute to Mo. As many addresses are unknown, please accept this as a personal acknowledgement from the Henderson families.

JOHNSTON, Ethel Christina, (nee Healey) “Cookie”:
Peacefully at Southland Hospital with Raewyn and Martin by her side, Monday 6th October 2025; aged 95 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Wally. Much loved mother of the late Yvonne Gardiner and the late Peter Johnston. Loved Nana to her grand and great grandchildren. Special friend of Lindsay Abbott (L/A) and Pat McMillian, Thank you both. As per Cookie’s request a private cremation has been held. Messages to: 12 Hastings Street, Ohai, Invercargill 9635.
Finally at rest with her Wally

SKERRETT, Lorraine:
Passed away on Saturday 4 October 2025. Beloved daughter of Claude* and Cora* Skerrett, Beloved mother of Lewis and Mervette, and Pierre*, beloved sister of Michael and Winsome*, Ramon* and Emily*, Johny* and Joan*, Peter* and Margaret, Noel* and Theresa*, Eileen* and Chief*, and Maureen*. Loved Grandmother of all her Grandchildren, great Grandchildren and great great Grandchildren, loved Aunty of all her nieces and nephews. In accordance with Lorraine’s wishes a private graveside service has been held. (*denotes deceased).

STEVENSON, Marjorie Alice:
Peacefully at Hospice Southland, surrounded by family on Friday 10th October 2025; aged 86 years. Loved wife of the late Clarence, mother and mother-in-law of Sherryl and Robin South (Gore), Craig (Timaru), Penny and John Shanks (Te Anau), dearly loved Gran of her 7 grandchildren and partners, 9 great grandchildren. Loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt to all her extended family. A celebration of Marj’s life will be held at Gore RSA, Function Room, Bowler Avenue, Gore at 1.30pm Saturday 18th October 2025. Donations to Hospice Southland would be greatly appreciated. To view livestream https://vimeo.com/event/5443063. Messages 93 Hokonui Drive, Gore 9710.

Acknowledgements and Memoriam's: If you would like your loved one’s death/funeral notices, memoriam, or acknowledgement listed, email it in word or PDF to [email protected]

McDonald, Reece:
In memory of Reece
14 July 1977 - 12 October 2024
It's hard to believe it has been a year since Reece left us so suddenly, everyday it feels like yesterday and forever ago all at once and I for one, still think he'll walk in any minute to brighten my day. On behalf of Lauren, Finlay and our families, I need to thank many people that may or may not have been thanked in person. Parts of the early days have been etched in my mind and other parts are a blur. We have received so much support and apologies in advance for missing anyone specifically, but it has all meant so much. The visitors, flowers, plants, cards, photos, baking, gifts and meals, all very appreciated, thank you. There were a number of whitebaiters at Sandy Point out on the day Reece came off his bike and sincere thanks to those who attempted to resuscitate him. Also thanks to the fire, police and ambulance service teams who attended that day, jobs that have to be amongst the toughest. Thanks also to Avenal Funeral Services for their care of Reece and to Stadium Southland for hosting a great send off he would have been proud of. Thanks to everyone who attended his service in person or online and particular thanks to everyone who spoke, I appreciate it's a big ask but it was so special to hear the stories and to appreciate the respect and love he had earned in our community as a good friend to many. Thanks to the Southland Business Chamber for their support and for the award that has been established to recognise Reeces contribution to our business community, it is a truly special honour to his memory. Special thanks to staff at Southland & Dunedin Hospitals who, along with the crew of the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service, saved Reece when he had his heart attack in 2019 and gave us 5 more good years with our special man. For 10 years Reece was a huge supporter of the annual Westpac Chopper Ride and thanks to the many who continue to support this valuable cause. It was an honour to be a part of the ride that was dedicated to Reece this year and I appreciated everyone's warmth, love and inclusion. Life is certainly emptier without Reece and we miss him everyday. I know this is a hard one but it really makes my day when someone mentions a memory they have of Reece. It's special to know he's in your thoughts and I'm thinking of him too, so feel free to share if you can xx Lots of love, Jo.

McMULLIN, Jayden Connor: 18/8/06 - 12/10/2022
The moment that you left me, My heart was split in two; One side was filled With memories; The other side died with you.
I often lay awake at night, When the world is fast asleep; I take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek.
Remembering you is easy, I do it every day; But missing you is a heartache That never goes away.
I hold you tightly in my heart, And there you will remain; Life has gone on without you, But it will never be the same.
Love you dearly Mum and Emily xx
#forever16

McMULLIN, Jayden Connor:
18/8/06- 12/10/22
Goodbyes are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean
I'll miss you
Until we meet again.
Love you forever
Aunty Kita xx
#forever16.

PARRY, Valerie:
18.12.1938 -19.08.2025
Rex, Julie, Robert, Kylie, Jody and families would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone for the love and support shown to our family during the difficult time of losing Valerie. Thank you to those who visited, bought food, sent messages, flowers and cards. A special thank you to the staff Critical Care Unit Southland Hospital and to Avenal Park Funeral Home for your compassion and support. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.

Avenal Park Funeral Frasers Funeral
Share this article
The link has been copied!