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Abraham's Funeral Home

366-374 Devon St East

New Plymouth, Taranaki

Maureen LONSDALE Obituary

LONSDALE, Maureen:
Peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday 9th February 2020 at Taranaki Base Hospital, aged 85 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Ray. Loved Mum and Mum-in-law of Tracey and Andrew Taemmler, Kyran and Kevin Payne, Sefton and Claire, and Maxine. Loved Granny to Seth, Ethan, Keegan, Shaylea, and Rhianna. All messages to the Lonsdale family, C/- PO Box 4016, New Plymouth. Family and friends are invited to a service for Maureen at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Powderham Street, New Plymouth, on Thursday 13th February 2020 at 11.00am, followed by the interment at Awanui Cemetery.

Published by Taranaki Daily News from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2020.

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Memories and Condolences
for Maureen LONSDALE

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21 Entries

It is with profound sadness that I have been informed of the recent death of Maureen Lonsdale.

Way back in the early 90's Maureen was highly influential in the formation and performance of what became Diabetes Youth New Zealand. Based in Auckland, and with three children all with Type 1 diabetes, I became DYNZ's initial Chairman and then President. For three years this was just about my full time job! Maureen represented Taranaki on the Council from Day 1.

It was essential from Day 1 that we had the support and guidance of diabetes health professionals, and in Maureen (Taranaki), Margaret Jamieson (Nelson) and Grace Harris (Auckland) we were indeed privileged.

Maureen was one of the calmest and focussed ladies that I have ever met! She was never negative, incredibly hands on, practical, and always maintained an unwavering focus on the well-being of the youngsters and their families in Taranaki. Maureen freely offered her expertise and experience to fellow committee members from throughout New Zealand.

It remains one of my life's highlights that I had the support of such an amazing group of dedicated professionals, and indeed fellow parents who saw in DYNZ an opportunity to ensure that youngsters being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes had access to better support, educational materials, and community & national opportunities for personal development that included camps and even Spirit of New Zealand adventures!

Sadly, and inevitably, a number of the initial committee members have by now passed away, however I truly believe that they all valued highly their time and contribution to DYNZ. Maureen Lonsdale was simply a star! Over recent years and since retiring, I have discovered New Plymouth and Taranaki. At every visit Maureen has hosted me for afternoon tea and entertaining conversation. I was aware that her health was deteriorating when I was last with her just before Christmas, but her sense of humour, interest in the progress of my three kids, and continued devotion to all those impacted with diabetes was as wonderful as ever.

Maureen must have had a positive and significant impact on the lives of literally hundreds of children with diabetes, and their families. I trust that she will be acknowledged throughout Taranaki for her contribution at both a local and national level.

I will truly miss her, and I am a better and wiser person for having Maureen enter my life.

Steve Green

April 14, 2020

Oh our dear Aunty Maureen, full of life, love,hope & opinions. Aunty Maureen was such a wonderful friend to our Mum & Aunty Anne . Heaven will certainly be a lot louder & full of fun with the girls back together .

Rest in peace Aunty Maureen , much love to Tracey,Sefton & Kyran.

Joanne, Stephen,Susan, Andrea & Raewyn

February 14, 2020

Maureen worked for many years for all people with diabetes, especially in the Taranaki, and, in the last few years,the Lower North Island Hub committee. We recall many a robust discussion on various topics, with Maureen at the forefront of these discussions. We will miss your wonderful knowledge of all things, your dedication to the cause and your great sense of humor. I will miss the telephone chats that started with "Hey Chris, do you have a quick moment". Two hours later we had solved many world problems, and righted the wrongs we saw.
Farewell Maureen, Rest easy now, and fly high

Christine, Committee and members
Lower North Island Hub and Branches

Christine Warren

February 13, 2020

So very sad to read of Maureen's passing. She was such a wonderful friend of my Mum. Much love to all the family xoxoxo

February 13, 2020

Maureen worked for those affected or at risk of diabetes for as long as I can remember - certainly back into the 80s! What a significant contribution she made.
She will be remembered fondly.

John Denton

February 13, 2020

Sad news. A tireless worker for people with diabetes.

Murray Dear

February 13, 2020

Maureen was indeed a tireless stalwart for Taranaki Diabetes, and also for PWD in NZ more generally. Over many, many years she gave her all for matters arising at the national level representing Taranaki and wider branches with passion and genuine interest.
Maureen's passing is a door closing on a true advocate and supporter who will be remembered fondly.
On behalf of the Auckland branch, we acknowledge all her work, and her respected enthusiasm and work for the cause.
Our condolences to Maureen's family, friends and the people she worked with in Taranaki to better the lives of PWD.
May she rest proudly and contentedly.

Andy Archer

February 13, 2020

So sorry to hear of this sad news. Love to Maureen's family and loved ones xx

Lena Fendley

February 13, 2020

The Board and Staff of Diabetes NZ were sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Maureen Lonsdale. Maureen has been a stalwart of the Diabetes NZ Taranaki Branch for many years, most recently serving as Volunteer Coordinator.

In 2001 Maureen's contribution to the diabetes cause was recognised through a Diabetes NZ Award - one of our organisation's most prestigious awards. The Diabetes NZ Award recognises exceptional achievement and is granted to an individual who, through their contribution to the support of people with diabetes, either directly or indirectly, has created significant benefits. In 2017, Maureen was also honoured for her outstanding service to the community with a New Plymouth District Council Citizen Award.

Our thoughts are with Maureen's family, friends and branch colleagues at this time.

Heather Verry

February 13, 2020

Maureen was one of the best people that I have ever known and always went above and beyond for others. She was a precious gem that will definitely be missed by all who have known her over the years. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace.

Hilaree Clark

February 12, 2020

Such a big loss to the diabetic community, her knowledge was invaluable and her welcoming nature was much appreciated by many. My sympathies go her family.

Helen Lockley

February 12, 2020

An absolute gem with such a caring heart and abundance of knowledge. Condolences to your family. Rest in peace gentle lady.

Suzi Hurley

February 12, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Maureen's passing.She was always so willing to share her knowledge and I know she will be missed by many.Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.RIP Maureen.

Caroline Briggs

February 11, 2020

A dear special friend whose support, advise, expertise and kindness will always be treasured. A special angel given back - a much and well deserved rest my dearest your work here was never ending. RIP. Many hugs from us all at Diabetes Christchurch.

Lynne Taylor

February 11, 2020

Sending lots of love to Maureen's family. She was A very kind, caring person with a so much knowledge and understanding. She will be missed by many.

Jenny Coulson

February 11, 2020

My thoughts are with you all at this time, Lyn Kretschmar

February 11, 2020

Loved working with Maureen, condolences to the family. She will be very missed xx

Sue Piper

February 11, 2020

Maureen was a real inspiration and tower of strength and support to many of us in the diabetic community. Deep sympathies to family and friends.

Quentin Bright

February 11, 2020

Dear friend, will miss you, love Heather

February 11, 2020

Dear Maureen, will miss our catch up chats on diabetic care and changes we have had over the last 46 years.
Such a caring person to all willing to listen to her vast knowledge in the health field.
RIP dear friend, much Aroha to all her family.
Faye Hopkins
Hawera

February 11, 2020

Thank you Maureen for your invaluable work in the health field for many many years.
Sending love and prayers to the family.
God bless you all.

Marie Fonseka

February 11, 2020

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Memorial Events
for Maureen LONSDALE

Feb

13

Service

11:00 a.m.

St Joseph's Catholic Church

Powderham Street, New Plymouth, Auckland

Funeral services provided by:

Abraham's Funeral Home

366-374 Devon St East, New Plymouth