Friend remembered for her kindness
the inspiration behind our ‘‘Dry Cow Therapy’’ band. We shared a passion for farming and agriculture politics, both being members of Rural Women and Federated Farmers.
Michelle was an inspiration to me of someone who got on with a challenge, was articulate, determined and put people first.
Her kindness was not the weak push-over-do-what-you-like variety but a strong find-the-bestfor-everyone kindness.
There were many rooms that became a kinder place because Michelle was in them.
Especially her homes with Brent and the love they shared over 37 years of marriage.
Developing farms in Rockville, Tapawera, Mangarakau together and finally settling in Parapara.
Bringing up three great children, creating home, garden and life as an amazing partnership. People who worked on the Riley farm over the years gave tribute to Michelle’s guidance, care, and interest she took in them, and building their careers. Many families were encouraged by Michelle’s passion for learning and kindness over all the years she spent at the local playcentre.
Son Sam gave credit to his mum for her philosophy of lifelong learning. She was continually improving herself as well as instilling those values into children and giving them tools and guidance to learn and develop. As well as being academically bright and well educated, being dux of her high school, achieving A and A+ in horticultural science at university, and qualifying as a teacher, Michelle was creative.
She loved her flowers and gardening, made time in her busy life for spinning, knitting, sewing and enjoyed making crafts with friends. She taught these skills to her children and daughter Jessicah gave tribute for this heritage and gifts of creativity and shared time with her mum.
Later Michelle completed the Kelloggs Rural Leadership course at Lincoln University, which led to further involvement in Federated Farmers, from Golden Bay branch dairy chair to the national dairy executive.
She also achieved a postgraduate diploma in agribusiness management including an environmental paper. With this background and her ability to work with people, she contributed an enormous amount to rural politics.
She worked on special natural areas, Tasman native habitats and in the Tasman District Council outstanding natural landscapes process.
Michelle was respected by all and was often the link between entrenched views on different sides. She cared about the whole community, not just the group she was representing.
She believed in win-win outcomes, was honest, looked for good in everyone, worked hard, often across traditional barriers and brought kindness into many difficult situations in various board and meeting rooms.
Michelle’s wisdom, skills, humour and guidance will be sorely missed as farming and agriculture face many issues with challenges and changes in policies and expectations.
Even when facing a serious prognosis Michelle brought kindness to the rooms where she was dealing with illness.
Kindness to others with her reassuring ‘‘I’m OK’’, so people weren’t upset. Kindness to herself as rather than using energy and precious time fighting, she chose to love and accept herself, her feelings, her body and enjoy her people, crafts and garden. Daughter Olivia honoured her mum for her philosophy of ‘‘a peaceful protest’’ instead of seeing this time as a ‘‘battle’’ with cancer.
We farewelled Michelle with thankfulness for all her years of life which she loved and enjoyed and made the most of.
Thankfulness for her cheerfulness, intelligence, friendship, love and the legacy she leaves in her family she was so proud of and devoted to.
And in respect to Michelle’s love of music we even sang along with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.
The words from that song ‘‘Rise up this morning, smiled with the rising sun’’ are so appropriate.
Michelle was able to do that. May we honour her by bringing kindness into whatever room we are in.