Oh man I'm so sad to hear of your passing. You were such an amazing person who cared for everyone who entered your room at Witt. I'm so greatful for the time u took to support me with my degree and all our chats in our breaks u will be missed so much. Sending love to your family in the time of grief

Sending arohanui and condolences to Barbara's family at this sad time. I have very fond memories of the fun that I had over more than two decades spending many ATLAANZ conferences and other events with Barbara, Barbara was so genuinely passionate about students and their success. Barbara was also very proud of her chidren and grandchildren. You were such a fun person with an enormous heart! I will hold my fond memories of times with you forever and I will miss you. I'm so privileged to have known you. May you rest in love and peace now Barbara.

My deepest condolences to whanau and friends. Barbara was a true taonga. Her commitment to akonga learning amazing. I so enjoyed working alongside Barbara as she made such a difference to akonga success. Forever remembered. May you now RIP. Diana Fergusson

You're sunshine. An angel. Complete package. You make us confidence and dare to dream beyond than what we think of ourself. You shower us with your love without boundaries. As an international student, away from home & pregnant during my study, knowing you, I'm joyous. You believe in my capabilities when I feel that I can't. You encourage to study up to higher level.You are real teacher of life. Love You eternally

Barbara was such an amazing person. When I started in at WITT in the learning centre 20 years ago, she was my first colleague. She generously shared her knowledge and and was very kind. I loved her teaching philosophy and she carried through a love of helping others throughout her teaching. She was passionate about her students and always loved a good chat. I have the best chocolate cake recipe from her and I started a wee rose garden after being inspired by her roses she bought into work. Barb always spoke so fondly of her family and I am sending you much love💙 to you all . Her smile, her passion and her thoughtfulness will be greatly missed. (I have attached a photo from my wedding of Barb and Kellie 18 years ago).

Very sad to hear of Barbara' passing. Over the years, whenever we encountered Barbara at conferences, we were always impressed by her care for students and colleagues, her curiosity, passion and generosity. So sorry that Barbara didn't get long to enjoy her retirement and the time with family and friends that she had been looking forward to.

Hi to Barb's family Deeply saddened to learn of Barb's passing but thankful to know as well. Barb's was a lovely smiley face at WITT with all the skills of support we needed.....deepest sympathies to her family and friends....Rest in peace Barb

RIP Barbara, you will be missed for your caring and understanding for people who just needed a little bit more

Mandy, Chris, Em and Jess I was so saddened to learn the news of Barbara’s passing. Barbara made a world of difference and touched a lot of lives. But I think it is worth mentioning, she was hilarious! Strong willed, a wealth of knowledge and loving. We all looked up to Barb, she would often ask how I am going over here in Australia and she would push you to make the most of yourself. Barb will be so missed - I’m thinking of you my family Em, Jess and Mands. Xx

Dear Barbara Thank you for the loving words and beautiful hugs Your words always made this world brighter Your hugs showed me true love Enjoy the gardens of heaven I love you very much and I will forever miss you love kimm

Mandy & Chris I'm so sorry to hear this about your wonderful mother.. She will be missed by so many.. Barbara you definitely touched many hearts.. Thankyou for being such a amazing loving, warm caring person. thankyou for always welcoming girls and I as part of your family. You will forever be our Noni.. She taught the girls so many life skills and always had time to show them what life was about.. We all loved your magical garden it was always a treat exploring outside with you..

Barbara was the best learning difficulties tutor I ever had the pleasure to work worth. I asked for her help with a number of journalism students when I taught at Witt (1998-2004) and she sorted them in every case. One was the most difficult instance I ever encountered and from being unable to write he graduated successfully because of Barb's brilliant work. RIP Barbara.

Thank you for always believing in me and giving me the guidance and knowledge that l am able to achieve all in my academic footpath; Thank you for never ever giving up on me. You showed me l can do all things l put my mind to; not once did you ever show me a negative remark it was always of such a manner l would walk out your office with my head held high. I will miss your smile and humour whenever we saw each other. You honestly made such a difference in my life; you have created a legacy of how we should all be as a person. Mandy Mahony and Chris you are in my thoughts forever now as your mum was such an amazing and influential person in my life.

You will be missed my friend.

Dear Mandy, Chris and families, You can all be so very proud of Barbara for her caring, passion, knowledge and huge dedication given to so many students - helping them achieve their success in so many ways over so many years !! I worked with Barbara at the Adult Learning Centre and her results with SPELD students were amazing then -35 years ago - she had a special way.. She decided to do her Masters while there and so proudly achieved it - moving to her Tutoring position at WITT..so excited about her new role and plans to do well. Her high energy helped her create and maintain a lovely garden - still finding time for family - a cuppa and our catchups dear Barbara I will miss..Loving thoughts to you all - Rest In Peace - you sure have earned it.Barb Loraine Day - cousin Charact

I need to add on a mention of Barbara's passion for gardening, especially roses. She dedicated lots of her recreational time to create a magical garden and was always happy to share tips. It was always a delight to take a tour through the garden as she described the plants and roses. Then venture back inside for a cuppa and a piece of Barb's beautiful sponge cake. Really going to miss those special homely touches. Arohanui, Rhona

Moe moe ra rangimarie Barb. It doesn't make sense that your retirement time is cut short so quickly. Barb, your generosity to Witt, the staff & students over 3 decades is amazing, one in a million. I was delighted for you when you messsged me that you had retired and was looking forward to meeting up again on my next Taranaki visit. Sending aroha to you all Chris, Mandy & whanau.Sorry I am unable to get up for the service. Nga mihi aroha Rhona

Passionate about students succeeding, innovative, insightful, gutsy and fun. I always enjoyed catching up with Barbara for long chats at ATLAANZ conferences. Arohanui to the family.

Barbara had a wealth of knowledge and she always put in 100% too her follow students.Rest in Peace Barbara you will be missed.

Barbara was an exceptional advocate for our students/akonga. She had a very special ability to connect with everyone and was dedicated to helping students learn and succeed. I greatly value the support Barbara gave to the staff and students of the School of Nursing, Health and Wellness. Barbara had a wonderful sense of humour, a zest for living and was also a life long learner herself, gaining a Masters degree. Deep condolences to all her whanau. Arohanui

Barbara was a passionate advocate for students, wonderful support for staff and a very important member of student services. Watching her changing people lives was inspirational. She spoke often of the importance of her family in her life.

Thank you for being a wonderful colleague across our network of tertiary Academic Learning Advisors and a strong advocate for staff. Your contribution was valued and immense.

I was so anxious about reaching out for student learning support and put it off for so long, but I eventually made an appt with Barb., which I forgot about and was reminded by a friendly text from her, I jumped in the car and got there late, she was so understanding and soon made it into a joke. I vividly remember how she instantly put me at ease. A lot of laughs were had in that appointment and I left feeling like I’d known Barb for years. She had this warmth to her that made all my anxious energy melt away. A very special lady with a heart of gold. Sending lots of love to her nearest and dearest at this time xox

Dear Barb I have known you for many years form when my mum was doing her Degree in 2012, when my father was doing his certificate in 1997 then I started with my Mental Health Certificate 2018-2022 to now starting my Nursing bachelors in middle of 2022-present. You were the most sweet, caring, loving down to earth person, never had a bad bone in your body and whenever I needed help you were there to provide with the most love and support. You will be dearly missed and forever loved Miss you heaps Barb and rest in peace

Sorry to hear about about Barbara.She was a charming , beautiful woman and source of alot of inspiration to us. You and your lecture will always remain in our hearts. Rest in Peace beautiful soul.

I had competed a PGDE with Massey Uni and was to embark on a MEd. Barbara gave me very sound advice and was very good company to boot, given me lots of laughs along the way. Rest in Peace Barb and thank you.

To Barbara, thank you for your years of dedication to your fellow extramural students in Taranaki. I learnt from the best when you offered the reigns of Taranaki Area Support Organiser to me. This opportunity opened so many doors for me and I am thankful for your support in everything I did with EXMSS. Great to see you last year at WITT, and duly honoured for your years of service and dedication to the students and life long learning space within Taranaki. Ka aroha ki te whānau pani. Moe mai ra Barb, Moe mai ra. xx

Sorry to hear of Barb's passing, she was an amazing lady, she was always ready to lend a helping hand, a smile, a story or a good joke to anyone who needed one. I personally got to know her at WItt and she was a huge part of my learning achievements returning back to adult learning. May you fly high with the Angels ♥️

Sad to hear of Barbs passing. She helped so many. While studying at WITT I got to know her quite well. We shared many laughs. May she rest in peace.

Barbara or at the small age of 5 Miss McKelvey was my very first teacher at Dudley Road Primary School and then age 50 my adult tutor at WITT. Rest in peace Mrs Morris.

Thank you barb for everything you have done for me as student at WITT. There is no doubt that you have been a influence in every students life you have come across. Rest in love Barb.

Barb, thank you for everything you have done for me and all ākonga over the last 30 years at WITT, You have been a passionate advocate for students and a huge help when it has come to students needing your assistance. A mighty totara has fallen. Moe Mai ra.

Mandy and Chris, your mother has always been such a strong advocate for dyslexic students. I still have a memory of getting lost with her on the Massey Campus in Palmerston North many years ago when we were at some course together. It was lovely to catch up with her again during my more recent visits to WITT. My thoughts are with you all.

Barbara will not be forgotten. She contributed her skills and knowledge generously to WITT students and staff over many years. Heart out to Barb's whanau. Rest in Peace Barb.

Barbara was a true one-off; full of energy, humour, ability, skill and commitment. She worked tirelessly to support students, staff and the institute throughout her long and stellar career. My son is forever grateful for her support with his studies and I shall miss her ideas, her dedication and her 'can do' attitude. Rest in Peace Barb, you have certainly earned it.

Dearest Mandy, Chris and families, your mum was such a character - resilient, strong, fierce and always right!! Massive loves being sent to you at the terribly hard time xx Much love, Hilary, Wayne, Jake and Sophie