On the 9th Jan 2026 we were invited to the Sanford home for afternoon tea, unique in itself, as Kerryn was in the last stages of cancer. We were asked to bring a card of encouragement and memories. This is mine. Dear Kerryn I have heard that your number is up. That you are in the Waiting Room, the Departure Lounge, with a Boarding Pass but no date written on it just yet. What a pain, for this is what it truly has been for you over this past year of 2025. Hardly an easy road for anyone BUT You have faced “it” with hope. -With a deep belief in your Lord and Master. -With joy in the face of…well everything. You amaze me -With your resilience to keep going -With your love for your family -With your laughter, smiles and joy plus coffee and walks For many years I have come in and out of Whangaparaoa and watched you and your children grow. I had the honour of teaching in the best corner classroom of the Sanford Block when it opened at KingsWay while your kids were there. I saw your immense efforts in going to East Timor and how much you invested in women’s lives for Eternity. Plus all the Ladies Walking group has meant to all of us. Mondays and Thursdays on Big Manly Beach. And now you are thinking of heading on out. The days, weeks and months are in front as you look back and thank God for immense blessings throughout your life. Praying your Goodbyes. “Go with God” - a Sth African blessing and the greatest option. With much love, blessings, and more hug-prayers Ruth Today is Kerryn’s funeral and I awake with a heavy heart…

What a Wonderful tribute beautifully executed and very 'Kerryn' filled with love, realism and laughter. She will always be our inspiration. We will keep walking and remembering. Love to the family and may God bless you all.

What a beautiful service to farewell Kerryn. Full of love, honesty & laughter. She would have been proud to hear the tributes & especially proud to hear her beloved children speaking & singing with such open hearts. God bless you all

What a wonderful farewell to an incredible woman. Each of you spoke and sang so beautifully, full of love, grace and humour. I hope your mum had a glimpse of today - she’d have been so proud of you all. Much love xx

A beautiful tribute to a lovely lady, Kerryn. Everyone did her proud. All our love Bryce, Wendy and Zita

A beautiful tribute today for a beautiful lady. The thread of our friendship has woven through the years you have been on the Coast. You were a true example of living out your faith. Now safely in the arms of your precious Jesus.

Kerryn is such a special person. She made us incredibly welcome when we arrived at WBC from the Manawatū. Their home is one of hospitality and nurture. She truly reflected the love and joy of Christ. A beautiful tribute from her amazing family. Arohanui

Our thoughts are with you all at this time.

Our memories of Kerryn (and as Kerry) started at Marlborough College, bible class and girls / boys brigade. Camps , youth camps and outreach events. My mother (Grace Petrie as leader of the girls brigade) had a real soft spot for Kerryn. She was a very special person. Strong, focussed and committed.

I knew Kerryn as Kerry, she was a year or 2 ahead of me at Marlborough Girls College then we met properly being in the same Enrolled Nurse class at Wairau hospital in 1978. Kerry was a very kind person, always a smile on her face & such an infectious laugh. We reconnected years later as my family passed through Auckland & stayed in contact. To know that Kerry is at home with the Lord is so comforting at this time. Our condolences to Clint & the family at such a loss.

Dearly loved by all of our family. Kerryn will be sadly missed by us all. Her love for her knew no bounds. Kerryn tried very hard to stay with us. Love from Trish and family

Kerryn n family were vibrant, selfless, faithful family of God at FHPC when Ruth was a baby.