Mabeth BISHOP Obituary

Aged 81, longtime resident of Eltham, Taranaki, passed away after a short illness on 23 January 2026. Mabeth's greatest passion was her family. A loving and deeply committed mother, she was known for her quiet strength, kindness and unwavering love. She will be greatly missed. Mabeth was raised with freedom to roam and explore on a dairy farm in Norfolk, Taranaki. Norfolk Primary School was a mile up the gravel road, which Mabeth Biked each day. She started high school in Inglewood the day the brand-new school opened. The school offered three subject choices: home economics, commercial and professional. Mabeth chose commercial. She learnt typing and shorthand. This led her to her first job at the Inglewood County Council after leaving high school. She fell in love with an English herd tester who was working across the road at her cousin's farm. The two of them married and then set off for a working adventure in Europe for three years. She worked in England at the Horse Racing commission and what is now the Glaxo Foundation. They toured many European countries in their English left-hand drive car including Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia (which were then behind the ""iron curtain""). Mabeth and Fred returned to Taranaki to raise their children. Mabeth was an exceptional mother. Her strength and nurturing spirit were especially evident in the life of her daughter Keren, whom she lovingly supported and encouraged to live a full and meaningful life. Mabeth was a dedicated 25-year volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau in Stratford, where she was respected for her compassion, patience, and practical wisdom. A skilled gardener and prolific reader, she found joy in simple pleasures and family life. She loved being a mother and grandmother, and her family always knew they were deeply loved. Mabeth was predeceased by her husband, Albert (""Fred"") Bishop, her daughter Keren Bishop, and her sister Glenys Klenner. She is survived by her son Paul Bishop, daughter-in-law Mary Bishop, her cherished grandchildren Gavin Bishop and Melanie Bishop, her brother Ross and Mary West, her sister Jenny and Malcolm Bremner, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a service to celebrate Mabeth's life on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at 10:30am at St. James Church, 1 Donnelly Street, Oakura. A private family burial will be held in Eltham. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand appreciated.