Valda was an active member of Inner Wheel New Plymouth North over the last two decades. She has made a significant contribution to the work of our club and made many friends on the way. Valda will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family.

Valda was such a strong and stoic lady. She was always generous with her time and love for Scott, me and the girls as babies. When I think of Valda I also remember that chicken and asparagus casserole, regular dinner invites, genuine kindness and the hardest working person I’ve ever known. Valdas created a large strong family and I bet she was proudest of that hard work! Thinking of you all, it was a lovely service today x

I’m proud and lucky enough to think of Valda like my 2nd mum, she and my Dad, Neale shared many years together in Truby King Street then later out on the farm. What a great lady, she welcomed me into her life with such care and love straight away, especially when I needed somewhere to live for a while there was no hesitation and I was to stay in the rumpus room….no arguing! So I found myself living with a new found family and Valdas amazing cooking, the best trifle…..those homemade jars of peaches, the pints of milk straight off the farm into the fridge, the best roasts, I remember one time she found out I was going for early morning bike rides one winter in shorts so she whipped up a pair of long bike pants that night for me! Just a small thing with her sewing skills, but it meant a lot. To Jo, Tineka, Amanda and Daniel, thinking of you all. Scott McEwen.

Valda was a great friend of my Mum and Dad's (Stan and Anne Shaw). I recall many occasions up at Urenui with Valda. She was always happy, always smiling, always the sunshine in a room. I don't think I have ever met such a hard-working and energetic woman ever. There is a piece of Valda in their house, a clown she made for my Mum. My Mum passed away 10 years ago and Valda still called in to Urenui to see my Dad and would ring him and keep in touch. That meant a lot to me, as I live away from Dad. She even made it to Dad's 80th last year, despite not being well. It was heartwarming to watch her service online and to see so many people pay a tribute to an absolutely warm and wonderful lady. My condolences go out to her family, I can only imagine the huge hole she will leave behind, but I know she loved her children and grandchildren and has made a lifetime of memories to treasure. Rest in peace Valda and now you and Mum can hang out together in another world. Deb xx

I remember when the family was smaller and we used to share xmas lunches together, Valda always made the best trifle (much to my mothers jealousy) And then one year she made two trifles, one just for me, and one for the rest of the family. Ill never forget that, she was so loving. I'll always miss you Aunty. XXX, Thomas

Just scrolling though all the beautiful messages sparks a flame of remembrance of Valda. I knew Valda when all the family lived on Truby King st going back 20 years ago. All the family gatherings at Christmas Time she always made me feel welcome in her home. A very patient kind and caring person full love ❤️ and lived life to the fullest. Sending all my love at this extremely sad time to all her family and friends. Lots of beautiful memories to be cherished. Xxxx

My thoughts are with your family at this sad time Valda x I had the honor of working with Valda for a time on the farm. She taught me so much, she had so much patience which I appreciated so much. Always asking if I would like a cup of tea at break, I would never hesitate unless we were a having a big day getting our baby chicks so id just have a cold water. You always astounded me with how much you could do, an amazing character you were Valda You showed me around your beautiful home filled with so much love and even gifted me with few plants which still blossom today! Thankyou for everything Valda, I wish your fsmily good health Moe mai ra ❤

Dear Jo, Tineka, Amanda, Daniel and families. So sorry to read about the passing of Valda. Such a lovely, kind, clever lady. We all enjoyed many years as ‘next door neighbours’ at Truby King Street. Valda was very proud of you all. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Rest In Peace Valda. . Lynne, Reg, Rochelle, Mickey and Melanie

Condolences to Valda's family. She was a lovely and very talented person and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace. Kathy Gates

My dear Valda. There is only one friend like you in your lifetime and you were mine..-a very special lady of many talents. I only saw you a month ago and you gave me the most beautiful cushion it takes pride and place on my bed. A treasured friend who I will miss dearly. Thinking of her family at this sad time. Goodbye my dear friend until we meet again . ❤️❤️

I met Valda last year around this time. I was absolutely astonished by her amazing personality and demeanor. She crept into my heart during that brief visit. What a talented, interesting and stunning little person I got to enjoy. What a character. Wish I could have got to know her better. Valda scarcely knew me and gave me the most amazing cabbage patch doll that I will cherish for the rest of my life. RIP Valda. My thoughts are with all the family and loved ones. Remember, Valda is now free of pain and sorrow.

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Valda always had a huge smile and had time for a chat. She was so proud of all her family. Such a talented and hard working lady. RIP Valda.

So sorry to hear about Valda. She has always been the most amazing and capable woman. I always enjoyed catching up with her and she always greeted me with such a big smile. Thinking of you all.xxx

Our Mah Jong Friday afternoon will not be the same without our champion player and tutor. Such knowledge and memory. Dear Valda will always be with us as we remember her guidance. We enjoyed the afternoon and her home as she shared her amazing sewing and crafts. A very talented lady. A valuable member of Inner Wheel. She supported many charities and will be greatly missed.

Valda was a truly lovely lady, and it was a pleasure to get to know her through bunco. She had a great sense of humour and was very clever. We will miss her. With love, Glenys O'Connor and Marlene Davey.

I remember my sister as a strong minded, hard working gal who lived life her way to the full. She raised four amazing children who have served her well. Her artistic talents shone through in her sewing and many hobbies. She moved to the family farm some 20 years ago and has been a big help working with the chickens and keeping our mother’s large flower garden under control. She is gone but never forgotten. Love Jeanelle and Emil

To all Valdas family we share in your grief and the huge loss of such a wonderful lady. We are privileged to know her and have lots of wonderful memories as you will to treasure always. We will miss her. Her battle is over she is now at peace. Thanks for all you have done for your mum and nanna. Our lives are better for having Valda in it.Our love thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care in the time ahead as you grieve the loss of Valda

Condolences to all the family. When Valda joined our patchwork and quilting group, it opened up a whole new world to display her talents. Her ‘Heart Quilt’ which became the peoples choice at her first quilt show was amazing. We will never forget her beautifully stitched cushions. RIP Valda you put up such a fight. Telford Tearaways

Thoughts and love to your family and friends at this sad time. It was a privilege and honor to know and work with you and racing around the farm in the kart. You took me under your wing and showed me the ropes, I've got some big boots to fill. You made me feel like part of your family, taking and showing me your beautiful home in town. Totally enjoyed crafting with you and Dianne, even playing a few games, your scones and pumpkin soup were always amazing and delicious. Always a joy to come up for a chat and catch up at your place when you were unable to come down to the farm. A little lady with a big heart. Rest in peace Valda ❤ I will miss you. Stelly

A tribute to a lovely caring lady who welcomed us in to her family when we lived on the farm at Egmont Village. We shared a love of crafts and sewing and enjoyed meals, morning and afternoon teas and watching Rugby games together. Valda was a hard worker and also spent hours in the garden and moving lawns so that everything around her was neat and tidy and in the evenings the light was on in her Sewing/Craft Room till late at night where she spent many hours.as well. Valda loved sharing stories of her children and grandchildren and would bring them over to visit their Gt Grandfather and take photos of them together. RIP Valda and now free from pain.Our loving thoughts go out to her family. With love from the Hanford family. XX

It is with sadness that LGS Dance staff, families and friends say goodbye to our beautiful friend and costume sewer Valda. Dear Valda has sewed not hundreds but thousands of costumes for LGS Dance over the last 40 plus years. Concert costumes will never be the same without you our dear Valda. How lucky was LGS Dance to have you in our studio family. Our love to your beautiful daughter and studio Mother Tineka her husband Cam, dancers Isla and Sinead and also to Joanne, Amanda, Daniel and their families. We love you and will miss you, but your costumes will live on forever through our dancers. 💕Lynn

a very special lady to have in our familys lives will be so remembered for the beautiful sewing she did also the beautiful group costuming at the concerts for the lyn gilbert studio but the craft work also vada did was remarkable and something to be admired i loved working with valda and sadly she has slipped away but will be in our thoughts so many times forever , loved you so much my good friend x elsie

She was such a strong & very talented woman. I have many memories of her and she will live on in the many costumes she has made and in Mia’s tutu, very special. Velda will be greatly missed by many and especially your family. Rest and look after yourselves xxx ♥️

So sad to hear of Valdas passing. A lovely hard working lady and good friend, always with a ready smile.

Condolences for your loss. When we visited New Zealand your mom welcomed us with open arms. She shared stories of the family farm, chicken barns, tractors, and your Great Grandmothers flower garden. The visits were lovely and chatty.