Aunty June. You always welcomed us with a smile and a quick. You were a person of deep strength of character and did what was right. You always showed interest in what everyone was doing and always provided positive constructive feedback and encouragement to us. You and Rod always showed great teamwork and personal love and respect for each other. It was always June and Rod. Like Dad and grandma before, I wish the ending could have more appropriately reflected the life you led. Be in peace. Love Mike

Aunty June I have many happy early memories of family time at Shirley Rd when the Bignell Clans gathered and Grandma cooked up a storm. Your visits to town with Uncle Rod and sometimes Paula, were always looked forward to. They were beautiful afternoons of memory sharing, fun and laughter and catching up on what everyone was up to. I enjoyed watching the brotherly and sisterly banter between you and Dad, and seeing the love you shared with your family. Nothing was a drama for you, you just did what needed to be done and helped those who needed a hand without a big fuss. I know Paula was so thankful for her family when her illness became too much for her to cope with. You, Rod and Cherie were amazing for Paula and in turn Rod and Cherie have been amazing for you these last few years. What a wonderful long lasting partnership and marriage you have had with Rod. Aunty June, we will miss you, your distinctive laugh, kindness and special sparkle. Love to Rod, Warren and Cherie as you deal with the loss of your much loved wife and mum. She was a beautiful soul. xx Lots of Love Lynne

What a wife and what a life? How lucky can one man be? Don't walk too fast sweetheart, I promise you I will catch up and we can continue what is meant to be. Iche Liebe Dich.

Aunty June, I have so many fond memories as a child and growing up of the many visits with you and Uncle Rod at Whiritoa and later Kerikeri. You always made me feel welcomed and loved. You are one of those people that opens their hearts to others. You are a very special person who just glows, is so loving and cherished. I loved our chats of you sharing memories and photographs of your childhood growing up with your brothers Ivan, Paul (Dad), yourself, Gran and Grandad. My thoughts and love are with Uncle Rod, Warren and Cherie at this time after losing a wonderful wife and mother. You are such a special Aunty and I will always cherish your smile, sense of humour, the wonderful loving person you are. Now you can be free in the arms of your loved ones passed. Love you Aunty June.

JUNE ETHEL MORRIS Hi Big Sister! It is with sadness and a relief for you that you have gone from our lives. My memories are of those early years when I was just a little lad and you were the big Sister around me in our house. These are blurry memories with me being 14 years younger than you.  However I do remember you playing Tennis at the Papatoetoe Tennis Club and winning the Ladies Singles and Doubles Titles. I remember you going off to work after qualifying as a Burrows Machine Operator and as well, a Pitman's Shorthand Secretary. Then in your Twenties going on the Big Boat  Overseas travelling for six weeks to Europe and bringing back a couple of stories from that time.  One was when you worked in London for a Large Company and after a few days the girls you were working with, asked, June can you please slow down, you are showing us all up! The other was travelling around Europe as a hitchhiker with your good friend Berris Green, where a very rich Italian in a Porsche offered you both a lift including Marriage! I must admit all the letters and postcards that you sent were eagerly waited for by Gran and myself. Of course when you came back home. I felt it was my duty to chaperone you as much as possible from any suitors that may arrive.  This I remember taking very seriously since you were such a catch! I gave Rod a pass mark and then you got married and moved to Mangere East. I used to cycle over from Papatoetoe and visit on occasion with an inquiry about the possibility of any Nieces or Nephews!  Later when you shifted to Whangarei after Warren was born .I loved visiting especially in the Summer going out to Woolleys Bay.  This continued for many years after I married Natalie and by then you had moved to Whiritoa.  It was the same old casual come and see us and all our Family enjoyed your hospitality. Rest in Peace my Big Sister you will be missed by all of us!

I first met June when they lived in Whangarei. She always made me feel welcome and we had a lot of fun and laughs. Over the years we had many happy times together especially at the beach house. I'm so lucky to have had June as my sister in law. She was a very positive, warm and loving lady and I have missed her for many years now. Natalie Loved your poem Rod

Dear Rod, Warren and. Cherie, This is a difficult time for you all but I know you will feel that June’s passing is the right thing for her. She has had a long and difficult time over the past few years and it has been very hard for you all to cope with. She was a devoted wife to you Rod for over sixty years and a wonderful mum to you Warren, Cherie and of course your beloved Paula who left all far too soon. She and Ivan shared a great friendship all their lives - he was so fond of June and often talked about the fun they had as young children when they visited Gisborne and and lived in Pokeno. I am thinking of you all and I will come down to Matamata soon to have a proper catch up. Much love to you all. Jill

Aunty June, I always looked forward to your visits as it involved hearing stories and adventures of you and dad ( Ivan ) when you were young. Dad was so proud to be your big brother and proud of the life and family you and Rod had made together. Our too infrequent trips to whiritoa were always a highlight for me as a kid, I loved roaming round the second hand store thinking I’d find some kind of treasure tucked in a drawer or under a cushion at any moment. You were always interested to hear what was happening in my life and quick to help with any advice . Much love to Rod, Cherie and Warren and so sad you’ve lost such a wonderful wife , mum and loving friend. I’m certain June and Paula are sitting back and catching up on everything after so long apart. Dave Bignell