Burton, Stephen Wayne 

8.8.60 – 4.9.25

On Thursday 4th September as a result of a tragic accident, Stephen lost his life doing something that he loved, Motorcycling. Stephen was the youngest son of Fred and Raylene Burton (*) and brother of Peter, brother-in-law to Margaret and uncle to Jack, his only nephew. (*denotes deceased)

Despite being part of a small immediate family, he was a cousin and friend to many in the large extended family both in NZ and overseas. Those who knew Stephen could see in him a truly compassionate soul, who gave many voluntary hours to Ross home and his other passion of singing in groups and choirs. His work driving the school busses for children needing special care and his devoted care to ageing parents Fred and Raylene using his (ex) nursing skills, testifies to his compassionate approach to all life. 

A service to celebrate Stephen’s life will be held at Gillions Chapel, 407 Hillside Road, South Dunedin, at 11am on Saturday, September 13. Messages to the Burton family C/- Gillions Funeral Services   

Ride free my dear wee brother, Ride on forever, Open that throttle and go. Theres nothing in your way now. 

Peter, Margaret, Jack and Annabel

The service can be viewed via livestream at https://www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel

DEKKER, Margaretha Antonia (nee Groentjes)

Loved wife of the late Theo Dekker, loved sister of Toni MacLennan (Dunedin), loved mother and mother-in-law of Elly and Geoff Cropper (Dunedin), Yvonne and Frank Velenski (Kaikoura), Selina Dekker (Dunedin), loved Oma of her 6 grandchildren, Lynda and Nick Piercy (Invercargill), Gina Velenski (Australia), Jamie and Tony Cropper (Christchurch), Jessica and Lee Whittle (Dunedin), and loved great Oma of Ashtyn, Carlos, and Naia (Australia), best friend of Annie Zonneveld (Dunedin), and Lies Grob (Dunedin) and family in the Netherlands. Special thanks to St Andrew’s Home and Hospital for their caring support of Mum.

A service for Margaretha willl be held in Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Rd, Dunedin, at 2pm, on Friday, August 29. The service can be viewed via livestream at https://www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel. Messages to The Dekker Family c/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Rd, Dunedin.

HODSON, Raymond Gordon ( Ray) F21832 NMNZS

Peacefully on Wednesday  20th August  2025, in Dunedin; in his 82nd Year.  Dearly loved husband of the late Rita, much loved Father and Father-in-law of Jarrod and Cindy, Darren and Alaina, Vicky and Luke, Shannon and Daniel, Bryan and Sami, Nadia and Marc. A loved Husband, Father, Brother, and Grandad and Great Granddad to all his many grandchildren. Loved, Uncle, friend, foster Father to many. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held in Gillions Chapel, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin, at 2pm, on Thursday, August 28. Messages to  Hodson Family, c/o Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin 9012.

Sommerville, Diane Elizabeth 

Peacefully at Dunedin hospital on Sunday 10th August 2025 surrounded by her family loved wife of George, loved mother and mother-in-law of Kerryn and Kenneth, Fiona* and Pierre, loved grandmother of Isabella, loved daughter of Dorothy and Peter* Inglis, loved sister and sister-in-law of Wendy and Neil, Muzz and Jude,  loving friend of the Hall family. (*denotes deceased). Special thanks to the staff at Dunedin hospital for their care of Diane.

A service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held at Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin at 2pm on Saturday, August 23 – In memory of Diane please wear tartan if you can. 

Messages to the Sommerville Family C/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin 9012.

Campbell, Helen Thompson

Peacefully on Saturday 16th August 2025, in Ross Home Dunedin; in her 99th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Iain and loved mother and mother-in-law of Donald and Millene and Iain and Robyn, loved grandmother of Lisa and Scott, loved great grandmother of Ezra.Helen’s family would like to thank the staff at Ross Home for their care and compassion. A service for Helen will be held in Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin at 10.30am on Thursday, August 21. 

HOLT, Terence William Anthony (Terry) - Peacefully in Christchurch surrounded by his family on Monday 11th August 2025; aged 88 years. 

Dearly loved husband of the late Rachel, loved father of Ryan and Jane, Evan and Eva.

Brother of Michael and Jess, Dennis and Bev, Leon. 

Grandfather of Elizabeth, Mary, Peter, Olivia, Ivy, Nikita and Jayden, beloved uncle and a friend to many, Terry was passionate about horse racing, cricket and golf, and treasurer at Caversham Sports Club. A service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held at Gillions Funeral Services on Friday 15th August at 10.30am followed by burial at Green Park Cemetery. To view the service via Livestream, go to www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel. Messages to the Holt family c/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin 9012.

SMITH, Derek Anthony, peacefully on Friday 1st August 2025, at the Otago Community Hospice, Dunedin, aged 87 years.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The ‘birdman’ has flown the coop to join up with other free-flying spirits. A celebration of Derek’s life will be held at the Portobello Bowling Club, 5 Sherwood St, Portobello, at 2pm on Tuesday 5th August 2025.

Donations to the Otago Community Hospice would be appreciated and can be left at the service.

MATHER, Eric Kenneth - Peacefully, on Sunday August 10, 2025, at Dunedin Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Dearly loved husband of Karen, cherished father and father-in-law of Jason and Ernie, Melissa, Nathan and Linda, and Daniel, dearly loved grandad and great-grandad, loved brother of Tony, Lee, Rob and their families.

Special thanks to the staff at Oxford Court Lifecare for their amazing care of Eric.

A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin, at 10.30am on Thursday August 14, followed by burial in the Dunedin Cemetery.

Messages to the Mather Family c/- 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin 9012.

 RAPSON, JUNE PATRICIA, formally of Waikouaiti 

Passed away peacefully in the care of Leslie Groves Rest Home on the 29th of July; in her 98th year. A cherished daughter of Ruth* and Jim Page*, beloved wife of Gordon*, an adored mother and mother-in-law of Yvonne and Kevin Graham (Brisbane),  Margaret and David Knapton (Brisbane), and the late Bruce Rapson*. Devoted grandmother of Mark and Marie, Claire, Anna, Ashleigh and Simeon, Catherine, Jenna, Rebecca and Callum, Andrew and Mary and Ben and Leah. Treasured great gran of Willow, Cohen, Evie, Lucian, Zoe and Riley. She was a wonderful auntie, sister-in-law and friend.  A special thank you to all the staff at Leslie Groves who took such great care of June in her final two years. She'll be forever loved and missed. (*Denotes deceased). A service to celebrate June’s life will be held at Gillion’s Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin at 2pm on Friday, August 8 . The service will be livestreamed at https://www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel. Messages c/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Rd, Dunedin 9012.

BUCHANAN Judith Elizabeth (Judy)

On 27 July 2025 at St Andrews Home and Hospital, aged 79 years.

Loved wife of the late Peter. Loved mother and mother in law of Wayne and Salome, Paula and Kelvin. Loved nana of Ryan.

A loved sister and auntie.  Special thanks to the staff at St Andrews for their care of Judy.

A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at Gillions, 407 Hillside Road Dunedin at 2pm on Friday 1 August. 

To view the service via live stream go to www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel

Messages to 44 Calder Street, St Kilda Dunedin 9012

Williams, Kevin James 

02/06/1943 – 21/07/2025 

Peacefully at Dunedin Public Hospital on Monday 21st July in his 82nd year

Loved Husband of the late Suzanne 

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Kelvyn and Rachel, Paul, Andrea and Melvin, Chris and Alli 

Loved Grandfather and Great grandfather 

The family wish to thank the staff at Dunedin Hospital for their care of Kevin 

A service to celebrate Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday 26th July at Caversham Baptist Church, 241 South Road, Dunedin at 11am 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Otago Cancer Society 

Messages to the Williams Family C/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, South Dunedin 9012 

LITTLEJOHN, Thelma Dorothy (Slim)

Peacefully at home on Wednesday July 23 in her 66th year. Loved wife of Geoffrey of 47 years, loved mother and mother-in-law of Shane and Ash, loved daughter of the late John and Dorothy Rodger (Millers Flat), loved sister of Jeanette and the late Barry, William, and Ian, loved nana to her grandchildren and aunt to her nieces and nephews, and special adored Aunt to Melissa. The family would like to thank the Otago Community Hospice and Oncology Department, and St John for their care of Thelma. 

A service to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held at Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin at 11am on Tuesday, July 29.

Messages c/- Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin 9012.

Millar Josephine Flora (Jo) nee Nairn

Peacefully on Saturday 19th July 2025 in the Otago community Hospice Dunedin 

 Wife of Donald, mother of Les, Rex and Heather, Step mum to Rex, Carol, Donald and Janette, Nana to her many grandchildren and great grand children 

 Sister of Marie Canning and Aunt to all her nieces and nephews 

 The family wish to thank the staff at Dunedin Hospital A&E, Ward 8c and the staff at Otago Community Hospice for their professional, kind and loving care of Jo.

Jo’s involvement in the community was as the president of the Otago Grey Power for more than 20 years and the national board member for more than 10 years , her service to Dunedin and National community was respected by all who came in contact with her 

 A celebration of Jo’s life will be held on Thursday 24th July at 1pm in Gillions Chapel, 407 Hillside Road Dunedin 

Jos Service will be live streamed on  https://www.gillions.co.nz/kiwi-channel

Messages c/o Gillions Funeral services 407 Hillside Road Dunedin 9012

Edna Audrey Miles (nee Hardy).

Passed away, peacefully, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Redroofs Rest Home, Dunedin; in her 95th Year.

Dearly loved wife of the late Arthur Miles, and daughter of the late Clarence and Jessie Hardy.

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Barry* and Bay*, Nelson and Lori, Judith and Frank, and Alan*. (* denotes deceased) 

Cherished grandmother of her eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.

A special thanks to the staff at Redroofs for their care of Edna over the past ten months.

A service to celebrate Edna’s life will be held at Mornington Presbyterian Church, 16 Maryhill Terrace, Maryhill, Dunedin on Wednesday, 23rd July, at 11am.

Messages to 91 Campbells Road, Pine Hill, Dunedin 9010 or lmoodie@xtra.co.nz 

WOODFORD, Robert, David (Bob), 935154, 31B Battery, RNZA. 

Passed away surrounded by family, on July 16, 2025; aged 81 years. Cherished husband of Margaret and treasured father to Amanda. A steadfast father-in-law for James. Loved by all his family. Family would like to thank the incredible staff at Dunedin Hospital, especially our ICU nurses. 

A funeral service for Bob will be held at Gillions Funeral Services, 407 Hillside Road, South Dunedin, at 2pm on Wednesday July 23. For friends wanting to farewell Bob with a cruise, we will leave for the Anderson’s Bay crematorium at 3:45pm. 

SYMISTER, Anne

Peacefully passed away at the Otago Community Hospice on Sunday, 13th July 2025, in her 73rd year, surrounded by her loving family.

Beloved wife of Tom. Treasured mother and mother-in-law of Korrie, Melissa, Kirsty, and Kris, and furbaby Lily.

Adored Nana of Paige, Juliana, and Caitlyn.

The family extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who have been part of Anne’s journey over the past 16 months, with special appreciation to the compassionate team at the Otago Community Hospice.

A service to celebrate Anne’s life will be held at 1pm on Friday, 18th July at Gillions Chapel, 407 Hillside Road, South Dunedin.

For those that are able the family ask that you consider donations to the Otago Community Hospice in Anne's honour.

Messages to the Symister family C/- Gillions Funeral services

PALMER, Barbara Ann

On Friday, July 11, 2025, at Dunedin Hospital; aged 75 years.

Dearly loved wife of the late Ted, adored mother of Stephen, Geoffrey, and Mark, mother-in-law of Maryann, and Ginny,  loved Grandma to Taylor, Isabella, Nathaniel, Nixon, Charlie, Oliver, Tuainekore, and Lani, great grandmother of Declan, Belle, and Jack.

A Service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at Gillions, 407 Hillside Road, Dunedin, at 11am on Wednesday July 16, followed by burial in the Dunedin Cemetery.

Messages to the Palmer Family, 118 Lanarch Road Waverley,  Dunedin 9013.

VINCENT, Sister Cecilia  

Little Sister of the Poor (Cecelia Teresa McKay)

On Wednesday 9 July 2025, passed away at Sacred Heart Home in her 73rd year.  A much loved and revered member of the Little Sisters of the Poor; in her 53rd  year of religious profession R.I.P. 

Dearly loved by her brothers, sister and their families, together with the Residents, Associates and Staff and of the Home.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Monday 14 July at 10.30am in St Joseph’s Church, 295 Brockville Road.

Rosary will be recited in the church on Sunday 13 July at 4.30 pm.

The mass will be live streamed on  www.gillions.co.nz/kea-channel