When I was little you were there to share in my life and when I was 6 I was with you as your bridesmaid. The times my husband and I returned to your home, you welcomed us. As we sat around your kitchen table, we shared our memories, then waited for the next time when we could meet again. And each time we were that bit older but we still walked down the village together and people greeted you: "Hello Phil. How are you today?" And then you'd tell them that your niece was with you --- all the way from New Zealand. And love for your wider family, your whānau, came with you when you made that long, long trip to comfort us when my mum, your sister died. Ko kōpū parapara ko tāu ūrunga inaienei. Moe, moe, moe.(The womb of the earth is now your pillow. Sleep, sleep, sleep.)

Our thoughts are with you as you remember Phyllis.