It is with shock and sadness to learn of Gaylenes passing. As Pakuranga neighbours and friends of Sheryl and Rex we have known Gaylene since she was a little girl. A person who was so sure of herself in life. Our deepest condolences Sheryl and Rex, Lisa and Kerry and families R.I.P. Gaylene

Dear Rex and Sheryl, Lisa, Kerry and Helen, and families, I can’t imagine what you must be going through, but I want you to know that you are very much in my thoughts, I am deeply deeply sorry. Dearest Gayles, I am really going to miss you. Your friendship was so important in my life, you were so important in my life. I loved our chats, for hours, laughing together (a lot), our outings, our escapades (many), our holidays, listening to shouty music and cooking together, walking the streets of Paris and London, the parties, the crazy times. You were one of the most kind and generous people I know, not only in giving and sharing, but in heart and in mind, and an amazing friend. I am so grateful we saw each other last year when I was over, I will hold that precious memory, along with those of all the years we’ve been friends, in my heart forever. You were one incredible and special woman Gayles, I think we can safely say one of a kind. Love you always. Lyn xox

Rex and Sheryl, Lisa, Kerry and Helen...so sad and far far too soon. I'm thinking of you at this unhappy time. Brian

Condolences to Sheryl, Rex and the family; very sad and far too soon.

Gayles You gave me so much. A job, a place to live, a loan for a scooter and most importantly your friendship. I wish I could have given you more. Every time I think of Tekken, GTA, West Wing, Cheesy Bits, Longpigs, Paul Auster, Pots of Herbs, Ransome's Dock, Beryl Cook, Costwolds, Earls Court and all of Paris, I think of you. I will never forget you. We will never forget you. Sleep well Geeze x

Oh Gayls - the world is a poorer place without you, but I'm so grateful for all the amazing times you shared with me and am blessed that your spirit lives on in those memories. You were the most erudite and generous companion whether at Willi's bar for a cheeky coupe, at Chez Bruce or Ransome's Dock for incredible meandering lunches, at your Parisien flat for the best nights and days, or on the phone ("Now then Mickey") to discuss matters cultural, culinary, literary, gossipy and always mischievously. You wrote the best letters, recommended the best books and bands, and always provided the best bottles. I'm so glad we got to see each other in April, and catch up on life's curious unfolding. I'd have hugged you for longer if I'd known it was to be the last one, but typing this tribute feels like another hug to a very special friend who made my life all the better for being in it. As Crowded House said Gayls - "Don't Dream It's Over". Mickey xxx

Gayles was a force, full of fun and always there with a witty comment and line. I had not been in UK for many years but will always remember the fun we had together in Paris and her cheeky sense of humour. RIP Gayles. It was great to know you.

I’m so very sad to hear of Gaylene’s tragic passing far too soon. Gaylene was my neighbour in Pakuranga for many years and we attended the same school. I remember her laugh, sense of humour and sharp wit. She was smart and savvy and fun to be around. I recall she loved Bob Marley and went to his concert and even managed to get an invite to his party! My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest In Peace 🌹

What a wonderful wit and fascinating person with a unique perspective on many topics. It was a delight to be your friend and I will always be grateful that you so kindly let me be your guest during 2020, I didn’t have anywhere to call home and you gave me your home! Which was so good of you and a life saver for me. Our sense of humours matched and I remember us laughing a lot. I can hear you now! Lots of love Matt

Gaylene As you once wrote to me: And there's no use in trying To deal with the dying Though I cannot explain that in lines....Bob Dylan You were more special and unique than you ever realised my friend. You were and still are deeply loved. Condolences to your nearest and dearest. Fly free Gaylene. S xxx

Dearest Gayles, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for all the fun times in Paris and London. My sincere condolences to your family and may you rest in peace xx

40 years of friendship, Gaylene was a warm, sensitive and extremely generous person. A great appreciator of literature, art, music, travel and fine food. These were subjects of much discussion shared with her friends over the years. With Gaylene, we laughed, debated and fooled around. Those were happy and precious times. Gaylene loved London but she also loved New Zealand as we do. We hope she has a safe trip home. We shall miss her enormously. Rest in peace, dear Gaylene. Our sincere condolences to Sheryl, Rex and family. kisses from Diana (59 & 3/4), Thaïs (28) & Victor (22)

Sorry I forgot to add my sincere condolences to everyone who’s lives were touched by beautiful Gaylene.💙

Oh dear dear Gaylene..- I’m so sorry..-it’s been two years flown since I’ve not been in touch & now so much regret….-:( You d tell me off for that I’m sure. Thank YOU for being YOU and helping me out & showing me the way with your humour & just god damn brilliance! In the strangest of circumstances..- Thank you for looking after me after my drunken accident & taking me in & healing me….- only you…- Thank YOu for sorting me out with a job when I needed support & was so so lost. Thank YOU for being YOU. Hope to see you again…💙Rest …..x

We had 3 wonderful years together, either curled up on your sofa watching Breaking Bad, or travelling the world. So many Precious Memories. I'm heartbroken to hear of your passing. Deepest condolences to Rex, Sheryl and Family. Rest in peace my Love xxx

Rae -Gayls -it is hard to find the words to express the deep sense of loss at your passing. What an incredible woman you were -the most intelligent and most well read woman I have ever meet -always beat me at trivial pursuit and scrabble!! I will remember always your wonderful cooking, driving your peugeot, rooftop down singing our hearts our to Crowded House! You were always the life of the party, incredibly funny and a good friend. May you find peace now. You will always have a place in my heart. Franck- Christmas will never seem the same without you at our table! We will miss you -may you rest in peace always Our condolences to Sheryl, Rex, Kerry, Helen, Lisa, Liam, Becca and the rest of the family X

Oh Gayles - where to begin and how we will all miss you. Your indelible impression on our lives knew no bounds. So sparky, so well read, so knowledgeable, so damn clever, so funny we were all in awe. Queen of the Coupe Club in Paris, flat stays in Nevern Square, stays with us in Helmsley and high jinks in between - the brightest of lights. We always knew when you had arrived and now we all know you have left us...my love to you. Your struggle is over. Rest in Peace. and Blessings.

So very sad to hear of Gaylenes death. Gaylene had tremendous wit, kindness, a huge personality and a great taste in books and art. She was always so welcoming when I stayed with her in her cosy Earls Court flat. Gaylene visited me in Budapest a couple of times and gave me great encouragement in setting up my businesss dealing in old textiles and would always visit when I did fairs in London sometimes buying textiles from me. Deep commiserations to her family whom I know she loved and always spoke very fondly of.

Gaylene, what an amazing life you led, a life most can only ever dream of. I will always remember you as a really smart and knowledgeable lady, who had many stories to share. Missing you already. Until we meet again, rest in peace. Helen xx