108-year-old dies four days after birthday
One of New Zealand’s oldest citizens has died just a few days after turning 108.
Christchurch woman Judkins, known as Dot, died on Sunday, four days after celebrating her birthday.
Beth Judkins described her mother as familyoriented, compassionate and smart.
‘‘She lived by the love that came from her family. She was absolutely happy for other people and [would] help them.
‘‘If you were not an achiever she would love you just as much as if you were,’’ Judkins said.
Dot Judkins always provided ‘‘hippies’’ with a bed to sleep in and a warm meal and would invite people to her home if they were alone on Christmas Day, her daughter said.
One of the secrets of Judkins’ long life was eating five vegetables a Mary day. ‘‘Her weight was the same all her life.’’
Judkins had been a resident of Bishopspark Retirement Village since 2005, where staff took ‘‘unbelievable care’’ of her.
She loved horseriding, theatre, reading and gardening, and watched two of her sons play rugby every Saturday for more than 30 years.
The 108-year-old had 10 children, 29 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Her family included winemakers, equestrians, rugby players, shot-putters, skiers, fashion designers, an Olympic walker and the founder of the annual Coast To Coast multisport event.
‘‘Every Coast To Coast she sat at the finish line and was presented with a glass of pink champagne,’’ Beth Judkins said.
Dot Judkins’ funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church in central Christchurch on Tuesday.