Obituary:- Mrs Sarah Ann Goodyer;
A resident of Murchison for many years-

The death has occurred after a short illness of Mrs Sarah Ann Goodyer, widow of the late Mr William Henry Goodyer, of Murchison.
The late Mrs Goodyer was a native of Victoria came to NewZealand on the steamer "Alhambra" in the company of her parents in 1879, the late Mr & Mrs W Griffiths, settled in the mining village of Boatmans, near Reefton.

After her marriage to William Goodyer they resided at Alpine Hill in Lyell, later transferring to Murchison where she and her late husband lived for many years where they earned the respect and admiration of the community for their willingness to assist any cases of hardship and distress and for their wonderful social and community spirit.

After the 1929 earthquake, Mrs Goodyer, came in company with her daughter, Mrs L Johnston and her grandaughter Miss Ena Johnston. to live in Nelson where, by her kindly disposition, she earned the love and respect of a wide circle of friends.

The late Mrs Goodyer was pre-deceased by two sons Thomas (an infant), William Henry and by a daughter Agnes, wife of Mr S Anderson. Besides a host of freinds, the remaining members of the family to mourn her loss are Joseph William (Murchison), Arthur (Dunedin)., Mrs B Hunt (New Plymouth), Charles (Inangahua Junction), John (Riwaka), Mrs I Johnston (Emano St, Nelson) and James (Hawera). There are also 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The late Mrs Goodyer was a lover of nature and an ardent worker amongst the flowers which she loved so well. The funeral which took place at the Murchison Cemetery was attended by a large number of mourners, from all parts of the district. A particularly large number of floral tributes bore additional testimony to the esteem the deceased lady was held. Amongst the tributes to her memory were wreaths from the staff of the State Hotel, New Plymouth, the Riwaka School Committee, the Riwaka Social Club and the Riverside Tennis Club, Riwaka.

Prior to the cortege leaving Nelson, an impressive service was conducted by the Rev Canon Haultain, victor of All Saints, at the residence of Mrs Johnston Nelson, where a large number of friends attended. The service. The service at the cemetery, preceded by a short reading at the residence of Mr J Goodyer, Murchison was impressively conducted by the Rev Mr Spencer. The bearers were Messrs B Reade, M Spiers, Reg Thompson, J Downie Jnr, and Clifford and William Goodyer, grandsons of the deceased.

Family hearsay has it that she was part aborigine but its not apparent according to her birth certificate.

RIP

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Updated 28th June 2017