Remembered for her commitment to the community

OBITUARY

There was not a lot that Tirau’s Christine Purdy didn’t put her hand up for in her life that was cut short on February 7. And it is her go-getter attitude that will be sorely missed by the South Waikato community.

Christine, who was born two months early in 1953, proved that great things come in small packages.

Weighing in at a tiny 3 pounds 4 ounces, (1.5kg) no-one could have predicted the impact she would have on Tirau and the surrounding communities, daughter Karen Purdy said.

‘‘What she lacked in size, she made up for in determination and energy.’’

There was a bottomless supply of it, and to say she was active in the area’s local clubs and schools would be an understatement. She invested her energy in everything from Keep Fit classes, which she ran for almost 40 years, and Line-Dancing sessions to Upright and Active sessions for the senior citizens and her more formal role as a Tirau Community Board member.

Karen said others may remember her for her involvement with the Swimming Club, Swim for Life, Patetere Athletics Club or the Tirau Girl Guides or the playcentre.

‘‘She loved people and loved to help others. She was friendly and welcoming with an ever-present smile on her face. She made time and had time for everyone she met,’’ Karen said.

She couldn’t help but get involved, even getting amongst the organisation of the Tirau School 125th Jubilee held last year, Karen said.

In 2011 she received an award of ‘‘Honoured Recognition’’ from the Lloyd Morgan Lions Club Charitable Trust, New Zealand for her service to the Tirau and Putaruru communities.

‘‘This was an award which she was not expecting but was extremely proud to receive.’’

Karen said her mother’s enthusiasm for life was evident inside the home too.

‘‘She worked with Dad as a team on the farm, planning, dreaming and working hard to raise our family within a farming lifestyle.’’

Karen said it will not only be Brian, Christine’s husband of 42 years, her three children or eight grandchildren who will miss her.

‘‘She leaves not only a huge gap in the lives of her family, but also in that of the South Waikato communities that she served.’’

Christine Purdy will be remembered for her friendliness, energy and determination to get things done.