To Darryl Michelle, Guy and Alan, your mum was one the the kindest, caring, welcoming people I remember from my teenage years. I have many happy memories of being at your house. Maureen your love of gardening was amazing, and your knowledge and love of plants so admirable. When we met again in NZ it was like no time had passed and yet it was decades. Your family were everything to you, and you to them. Rest peacefully now in the arms of Jesus a life well lived and well loved. The beautiful memories of your time here on earth will be cherished forever by you children, grandchildren and all who met you along the way.xxx Caroline Mullins

Many years ago my grandfather ended a memorial tribute to my mother with the words ‘The fragrance of your life still lingers’ and reading through all the beautiful tributes to you I think it also embodies the thoughts of your many friends. It was my privilege and blessing to have known you for just a short few years but what richness ensued - from the moment of our first meeting at a cafe in downtown Tauranga we were as they say singing from the same song sheet. I give thanks for your friendship and I know the best is yet to come when we meet again in glory and what a day of rejoicing that will be. Maureen - the other one!!!

Maureen, our lives were so blessed to have you as a sister-in-law and aunt. When Rupert brought you home to meet us, you endeared yourself to the Fitt family and enriched our lives. You became a big sister to me, and I will never forget the times and pranks we got up to together. Our families spent many blessed times together, and wherever we were, your calm, selfless and generous spirit shone through always. Your passion, knowledge of plants and extraordinary “green fingers” endeared you to John and he loved visiting your fabulous gardens and nursery. The Christmases we spent together can never be matched with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins together around a never-ending dining table.Auntie Maureen, there was always a real sense of excitement when we visited you as there was so much to learn and explore under your watchful eye. You influenced my understanding of the world and shaped my values and morals in life, and I will be forever grateful for your tender kindness and patience. Every time I think of you, I feel your gentle presence and hear your quietly spoken voice. I was so privileged and blessed to have had you as my aunt. We will miss you dearly, but know that you are at peace and reunited with all those who have gone before you and who were loved so dearly. The memories that we hold of you are so bountiful and indelibly imprinted on our lives and hearts. You were such a shining light for all who crossed your path, and you will live on in the lives of your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our love and heartfelt thoughts go out to all the family in New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and America.

I was to learn from Michelle that my dear friend Maureen had died but I am so very pleased for her that she is now with our precious Lord Jesus and all those of her family and friends who are also part of the body of Christ and in His presence as well. My husband David and I enjoyed many happy hours together with Maureen over the years we knew her and welcomed her good advice in the gardening world; her knowledge was vast. What a lovely photo of Maureen shown on this tribute page and is exactly as I remember her. Soon and very soon, we shall be reunited.

It is with great sadness that we heard yesterday of Maureen's passing. Maureen was a good friend of my mother, Yvonne. Both had lived in Rhodesia and South Africa and both had moved to New Zealand. They met in Auckland and discovered that they had also attended the same church in Durban. This was the beginning of a close friendship which lasted about 15 years until 2011 when my Mum died. My Mum lived on our property with us and as a consequence our family got to know Maureen very well and she was often part of our family celebrations. But it was her family that meant everything to her and we often felt that we knew them all in our regular conversations together. I will forever be grateful for the friendship she had with my Mum as she filled a huge gap in her life after immigrating to New Zealand and the untimely death of my Dad shortly after. Rest in peace Maureen. We thank God for the blessing you have been to us and many others.

To Darryl, Michelle, Guy and Alan and families, there is no doubt Mau brought a big chunk of class, kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit to the whole Williams clan and no doubt, to anyone who met her also. She will leave a gaping hole in your lives but as Mel said, also a profound legacy. God bless you all as you say farewell to her earthly presence, but resting in the assurance she will be rejoicing in glory. Love Ant

My dear friend Maureen, I was extremely sad to hear off your passing, you are now at peace my friend . Deepest condolences to all your family here in NZ, SA & London. You were such a loving, caring and very thoughtful friend, nothing was ever a problem!! I will cherish our time when we worked together and the times when we caught for a cuppa and a chat... Rest in peace my friend Jenny Cotton & (late) Rob Cotton xxxxxx 22/05/2022

We rejoice in Maureen's beautiful life and thank God she came into our family - so wise, so gentle, so loving, so kind and thoughtful - a real gem. She gave me an amplified Bible which I treasure and in the cover are these words in her writing: "The fellowship of God is delightful beyond all telling - remember, obstacles become blessing stones to victory on higher ground, and no circumstance lies outside of His Sovereign Love." She really lived by this. This morning I read this verse and pictured Maureen: "But I know the loving God will redeem my soul, raising me up from the dark power of death, taking me as his bridal partner. Pause in his presence" Psalms 49:15 TPT Deep condolences to Darryl, Michelle, Guy and Alan and families - what a heritage you have! Prayers and blessings from Melodie and family

My dear Sister, after a loving thoughtful and eventful life you are now at peace. Our wonderful memories and love for you will remain with us always. Dot and Neville

Auntie Maureen - You were a very special person to all who knew you, overflowing with kindness and love and you were always smiling. Your patience knew no boundaries. There are so many memories you helped to create and things that you will always be remembered for - your passionate love of horticulture especially your orchids. Whenever we visited, we were always greeted by you wearing a large brimmed hat and gardening gloves - you absolutely loved your garden; All the Christmases with all the family (and there were loads of us - and we still managed to sit down to eat)....and the list goes on. I am so blessed to have been able to call you my Auntie. Now you are at rest and reunited with all those who have gone before you. God bless, we will miss you, lots of love xxx

To Michelle, Daryl, Guy and Alan I am so sad to hear of the passing of your warm, kind, generous mother. Many of my happiest memories are from visits to Walls Hill Close and Mimosa Park Farm - she was like a second Mum to me. A gentle, calm soul who adored and protected her family and always made me feel so welcome. I wish I could give you all a huge hug. Lots of love Paul

Mom, you were the most incredible mother, strong, adventurous and brave. You were a woman of undeniable faith, my heart rejoices in the knowledge that you are seated at the foot of our Almighty Heavenly Father. I imagine you are reunited with Dad, walking hand in hand through endless fields of beautiful flowers in Heaven. What a celebration that would be. You will forever be loved and admired by Kimmy, Josh and I. You always had such wisdom and freely gave it to all around you. You raised us well Mom, rest now and be at peace. Forever in our hearts, your loving Son.

Dear Maureen You were an amazing, caring, loving, happy person in mine and my childrens' lives. You loved the Lord and were always there to help. You were someone who worked hard and never gave up on anything. Thank you for being the wonderful person you were to us. You always had a special place in my heart and I missed you when we all moved from Rhodesia and South Africa. You have run the race and won the prize, and now you are at peace safe in the arms of Jesus. Until we meet again.

Mom..... What an amazing, kind, loving, caring, happy, gorgeous and God loving person. Who always put others first and never judged anyone. Who worked so hard and never complained and was always there for us. Thank you for being my second Mom and loving me as one of your children.... I will miss you so much..... You are now with God in a better place.....I will always have a special place in my heart for you.

Aunty Maureen was beautiful, courageous and talented in so many ways. I will always remember her incredible garden in Zim. She had a deep love for nature, her family and God. She is now at peace with God and I will treasure the fond memories I have of her.

Dear Aunty Mau, I have such fond memories as a child spending our Christmas holidays with you, our cousins, grandparents and family in your home in Harare, Zimbabwe. Your kindness, positive outlook, and magical memories you helped create, will never be forgotten. You will be missed more than words can say. Brian & Megan Zietsman and family

An inspirational woman of God who always put Christ first in her life. We remember her fondly and will be forever grateful for her welcome when we first came to nz from sa.

Auntie Mau, You were the kindest, loving and patient Aunt anyone could ask for. You will be missed by all who knew you and those that were fortunate enough to have been touched by your love and kindness. All our love xx

My darling Mother, your battle is over and now you are at peace. I cherish every moment we had together. God granted you an amazing life, you were wonderfully and fearfully made in his image. You have now returned to him and as agreed I will find you in the garden of eternity, we will meet at the river. Until then, Your loving daughter Shelly xxxxxxx