|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
- OBITUARY: Alida Maria Reynders (Lia), April 15, 1920 – January 19, 2025.
A lovingly heartfelt memorial service has celebrated a strong-spirited, independent and caring woman who lived to the grand age of 104 in her own Farm Cove home.
A large gathering of family and friends of Alida Reynders, known as Lia, was held at the Howick Club recently, led by her son-in-law Max Tombleson, husband of Lia’s daughter, Conny.
The service also included moving tributes from Lia’s relatives including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A poem by Linda Ellis, The Dash, was a focal point. It talks of the birth and death dates of a person’s life printed on a remembrance card, and the dash separating the days.
A verse of The Dash reads: ‘He noted first came the date of the birth, and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all, was the dash between the years.’
At the end of his eulogy, Max said: “People who make it to a 100-plus have a very special spirit. She lived to an incredible age, had many hardships along the way, but always found the best in life.
“Her legacy is an inspiration to us all.”
During the talk, there were photographs displayed appropriate to the events in Lia’s long and full life, including many happy family occasions and holidays.
“Lia would have loved being with us today, to help celebrate her life,” Max said.
“She was always keen to participate in all events and was an enthusiastic public speaker.
“Unfortunately, she cannot. She’s busy at the University of Auckland Medical School, helping future doctors to study human anatomy.
“Lia selflessly donated her body to science. This has been her pledge for over 15 years.”
Lia was born and grew up in Utrecht, Holland. She was qualified and ready to start work as a pattern cutter when World War Two broke out in 1939-40.
“She often spoke of the hardships during the war,” Max said. “Holland was occupied by the Germans for approximately five years.
“This had a huge influence on Lia as it was during her late teens and early 20s.”
She arrived in New Zealand in 1952 with three of her siblings.
“Lia met Harry Reynders while in Holland. He was a friend of her brother. The relationship grew and they decided to get married in New Zealand.”
They first lived in Putaruru where children Robert and Conny were born and raised. Then it was onto Mangere Bridge in 1959.
“Lia’s skills as a pattern cutter were highly sought after by many Auckland-based clothing manufacturers. Her knowledge and attention to detail was second to none,” Max said.
“As a teenager, Conny would sketch designs of clothing she liked.
“She would give the sketch to Lia and presto, it was designed, made and fitted perfectly, and looked just like the original.
“Thanks to Lia’s skills the family always dressed impeccably and up with the fashion of the time.”
In the early 1970s, she moved to Bucklands Beach, and then to her “palace” in Farm Cove in December 1977, “where she lived until just before Christmas [2024]”.
Lia was an active member of travel club Friendship Force for many years.
“She made many trips locally and overseas. They would stay and host other members within the club.”
Max said Lia’s eyesight, unfortunately, started to deteriorate significantly at the age of 80.
“This issue would change her life in so many ways. It meant losing her driver’s licence. She had to give up work. Yes, Lia worked up until 80.”
Not letting the grass grow under her feet, Lia turned to modern electronic devices to assist her living and for sourcing information, as well as taking up crocheting blankets for Mission Without Borders, and gardening and bread-making.
“Lia was an active member of many clubs. She loved to stay involved and be connected. She was a social butterfly.
“On turning the milestone of 100, Lia received many letters of congratulations from officials.
“Unfortunately, the planned festivities had to be abandoned due to Covid lockdowns.
“Lia would have to wait until 101 to celebrate,” Max said.
“She had been living in her own home up until December 11, 2024. She decided that her fight to stay reasonably independent had come to an end so moved into Metlifecare Highlands.”
