Graham and children I am so sad to learn of this just today. My thoughts are with you all in this time of loss. Seeing that fantatstic smile in the photo above brings back such fond memories of a happier time in my life a while ago now when our paths crossed and Lee filled the room/event/school/world with such positivity and energy. My very best wishes to you all as you try to move forward without her. Regards Rudy

Bev and I were blessed with four wonderful children. Flee was the baby of the family so received all the usual advantages and disadvantages of being the youngest sibling. She was a beatiful baby, an adorable toddler, an energetic and advenurous child, and something of a "tearaway" teenager. However by this stage in her life she was displaying the traits of character which as she developed into a young woman, made her an excellent mother, wife, and teacher, and allowed her to build a wide circle of friends for whom she remained fiercely loyal. When cancer struck in her mid-fifties⁣, she faced the problem with valour and fortitude, and was utterly uncomplaining. As soon as it was possible, she returned to the classroom with all her former vigour and dedication. The second bout of cancer was more deblitating, and I was amazed and proud of, the sticism with which she faced it. Our family lost a much loved and valued member.

Aunty Lee is a golden thread that ran through my childhood. She has taught me a lot about turning up for others and about having fun while you do it. I am fiercely proud of her and so grateful to be her niece. Moe mai rā Aunty Lee. We love you and will miss you sorely, but go in peace knowing you have loved us well.

just sending our love and thoughts at this time. treasure every memory

Graham, Grace, Phillipa, Jake and Michael Thinking of you all today and sending love from the cousins. Love all the quilts - what a wonderful creative legacy of a talented wife and mother. She sparkled. From Scott, Bridget, Nicholas and Matthew Blanks.

To the Blanks family, What an incredible treasure Mrs Blanks was. She was such an amazing teacher and person - I fondly remember her doing a balancing gymnastics trick in PE that none of us students could complete (you definitely had a cool Mum.) I have loved bumping into her at various events over the years and more recently feeling extremely privileged to be gifted one of her treasured quilts for my daughter Annabelle. She will be so dearly missed. Love Madeline

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful wife and mother, and a gifted teacher. You are all in our prayers at this sad time. Kind regards from the Marris family.

We are so sorry to jear this news. our thoughts and prayers are with the Blanks family today. Lots of love from the Carthew family❤️

Thinking of you all today. Amazing woman and teacher. Victoria xx

To The Blanks family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you Phillippa and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, especially on this difficult day. Sending much love, Phil and Jenny Smith and family

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lee. Fun times a few years ago now when we played hockey together at New Plymouth Combined Hockey Club. Lee was our mother hen, inspiring, a leader, a real competitor and loved the social aspects of the club. Many a Saturday night at the club rooms with her song sheets and guitar coming out. The road trips to hockey games in her green Lettie Honda. Fun times. Regards to all the Blanks family and friends. Kris White.

Kia ora, Thinking of you all at this sad time and remembering the wonderful moments we had together with our tamariki. Phiippa and Jake - thanks for sharing your mum with us. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. Aroha tino nui. Sue, Mike, Tamara, Charlotte, Jansson and Logan Ford

Our beautiful Aunty Lee, we are so sad that you are no longer with us. You have been a wonderful Aunty and friend to us over the years and we are so lucky to have had you in our lives. When I was first introduced to the family, I had never met such a vibrant woman and felt like a part of the family instantly. Then when we came down to NP for Josh and Alex's wedding, we got to spend the day with Aunty Lee and Blanksie. They both got to spend so much time with Toby that day and Auty Lee showed me through old photos and videos of the family over the years, there were some very special times that you all spent together. The love and friendship within the Carroll family is such a beautiful thing. We were so glad to make it to the NP family Christmas and see Aunty Lee one last time, more importantly, she got to meet Lachlan too. We have the quilts she made the boys in their rooms. Lachlan's is on his feeding chair and Toby's quilt is on his cot. The morning after Aunty Lee had passed, I went in to get Toby up for the day, I said 'Good morning lovely, what are you doing' he was curled up in the corner of his cot. Toby said 'I'm hugging my blanket Mummy' (which was the quilt Aunty Lee had made him) I said 'Oh baby, that's a very special blanket that your Aunty Lee made you, she is in heaven now and I am sure that she is very happy to get a hug from you honey' Toby replied 'Yeah, it's nice Mummy'. Aunty Lee will forever be in our memories and in our hearts. Sending all our love Matt, Kimberley, Toby and Lachlan

Dear Graham, Grace, Philippa, Jake and Michael, Sending you positive vibes and love during this sad time. Cherish the good memories and allow yourselves to feel all of the feelings. Lee was an incredible woman who will be sorely missed. All my love x

Dear Blanks Family I will be watching as you farewell a truly amazing woman who I have shared many experiences with. As a work colleague, on the PTFA, with sporting and social events, your "people mover" vehicle was very busy! Lee's energy, zest for life and love for her family was 2nd to none. Thanks for the wonderful memories. love to everyone at this very sad time. Julie Rowlands x

So sad I did not get to say good bye Flee and so sad that Covid has prevented me from travelling down to be at your funeral tomorrow. Hugs and thoughts are with all of your family on this very treasured day. All my love - Maree xoxo

Flee we will always love you.You live on in your beautiful children.Thank you for all that you gave and all that was you.You set a high bar.Its been a privilege to have you in our lives

This is sad news. Graham recently wrote saying "Lee was a star". It reminded us of a young Inuit guide in Alaska a few years ago telling us that night stars are actually little holes through which our loved ones look down to check in, and let us know that they are happy. Lee certainly was a very shiny star who has left us way too early. Deepest, warmest condolences from Andrew & Jenny Hackworth.

To Graham, Grace, Philippa, Jake & Michael - our love and deepest sympathy to you all. We were so very sad to hear of Lee's illness & passing and have fond memories of our fun whilst being neighbours when the kids were young.

Dear Blanks Family, Our sincere condolences, it's been incredibly sad to hear of Lee's passing. Our organisation has been working with Lee for many, many years to support advanced students not just from Sacred Heart Girls Collge but across the region. Her integrity, commitment, passion, knowledge, kind-heartedness and beaming smile will be missed by so many. Our best wishes to Blanks family, we are thinking of you in these difficult times.

Dear Blanks family Harmony and I hope you guys are holding up alright and we wish we could be there for support but we will be watching on the livestream and paying our respects from Auckland. Aunty Lee was an amazing woman who was loved by all of us and will be dearly missed. Love Sam and Harmony xx

Very sad to say goodbye to Lee. She was a much loved and admired member of our book club. I hope she gets to read lots of great books in heaven. Love to Graeme, the family and her lovely Dad Max

Dear Graham, Grace, Phillipa, Jake and Michael. The Doherty family wants you to know that we are feeling for you at this terrible time in your lives. If there is anything we can do. PLEASE, just say the word. Love. Doherty family

Dear Phillippa, Graham & family Our sympathy and thoughts are with you all in the loss of Lee. A beautiful lady. During the Sacred Heart years, "your home", was Hannah's 2nd home. To lose someone you love is hard. May you find courage from loving memories, strength in the light of each day and comfort in the love & kindness of family and friends.

My condolences to Lee's family. She was my hockey coach at Highlands back in the 80's. Thanks to her I became a very good player. I will alwys remember her for her lovely smile. A very sad time for you all.

To Graham, Grace, Philippa, Jake and Michael. We are saddened to hear of Lee's passing. You are all in our thoughts, and Lee will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rosie and Peter Fastier & family

To the Blanks Family, we are so truley sorry for your loss. Phillipa, our love and support is with you. Bruce & Linda. x

To a colleague and friend of 40 years ago, as fresh faced teachers sharing the ride in from Oakura to Highlands. Short time flatmate in Grahams house in Fitzroy.I was really saddend to hear of Lee's passing and heed the reminder of staying in touch with old mates. Blanksey - to you and your no doubt wonderful family my heartfelt condolences. Dave & Michele Hooker

I was saddened to hear that Lee has passed. My thoughts are with you Graham, and your family, at this time. May she rest in peace.

Sacred Heart Girls' College New Plymouth, acknowledges the passing of much-loved former colleague, teacher and forever friend, Lee Blanks. Lee's positivity, enthusiasm and encouragement has left an indelible impression on countless lives, and we remain forever grateful for her commitment and loyalty to the Manawa Tapu ⁣whanau. Sincere condolences to Graham, Grace, Philippa, Jake and Michael and family. Eternal rest grant to her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

With deepest of deepest sympathy to Graeme and family. May the many special memories of an exceptional person, somehow support you all during this time. Blessings ex colleague Highlands In

Lots of love to all of you at such a sad time, especially dear Max, the Blanks family and the Hill family. Lee was such a great woman and a wonderful, kind and committed teacher. Thinking of you all. xx

Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Lee's family. Lee was very courageous and brave in her battle with cancer. Lee always kept a positive attitude. She was a valued friend and member of our quilting group. We will miss her humour and quiet determination to complete as many quilts as she could, with fabric often purchased on her travels with Graeme. RIP Lee Waitara Tuesday Night Patchworkers.

I'm very sorry to hear this. A lovely lady and great educator, who was highly respected. My thoughts are with the family.

Aunty Lee how cherished I feel to have you as my aunty. Your battle with cancer was fought hard and you were inspirational and positive throughout. Taken far too soon, I will miss you dearly. ❤️

Sending the Blanks and extended family my sympathies for the loss of Lee. She was a wonderful teacher at Sacred Heart Girls College and I feel very fortunate to be taught by her during my time there. Rest peacefully Lee, you will never be forgotten xxx