Dear Celeste, I am privileged to have worked with you. You always were kind, loyal, reliable and gave everything to whatever you were doing. You were a big help to us too Aron. We will miss you and always treasure the special pens that you made for us.

Celeste was one of my close friends. We met back in college, brought together by something as simple as clarinet lessons, and from that moment on, she became a constant in my life. What started as shared practice sessions grew into a friendship full of laughter. She was loyal in the truest sense of the word — the kind of friend who showed up, who listened, who stayed. Celeste had such a deep love for Disney and animation, and it reflected so much of who she was. She saw the magic in things, the wonder in stories, and she never lost that sense of joy and imagination. Being around her reminded me to appreciate the small, beautiful moments — the ones that often go unnoticed. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will miss her more than words can truly express — her kindness, her laughter, her friendship. But I will always carry the memories we made and the lessons she left behind. Thank you, Celeste, for being such an important part of my life. You were, and always will be, deeply loved.

Dear Celeste, It was so awesome to have met you and become friends at Adis. We have a lot of great memories together there, even though there were some tough times. Loved to also have the lunch catch ups. I'm sorry I didn't get to visit you the last time with Hannah. You fought so hard. Thank you for sharing with us all your friendliness, warmth, joy, positivity, bravery, beautiful smile and laugh. And of course your love for Disney! The world has truly lost some light and magic now, but you will always be remembered with great love. Leah x

Celeste, I had meant to send you this as an actual, handwritten note to share some memories with you in your final days. We met doing Nippers at Mairangi Bay Surf Club. A love of the water and swimming is one we shared. We crossed paths again at Northcross Intermediate where we were in the same Form 2 class. We had many classes together over the years up to Year 13 Accounting where I had to tell you to wait for me to finish before copying my work until I fixed my inevitable mistake. When we left high school you apologised in my book for talking about Carlos Spencer too much. I think we can all agree he was quite dishy in the Tim Tam’s commercial. We would often bump into each other at Auckland University or on the bus as you worked hard to get into Medical School. It was something you were super passionate about, I’m glad you went back and studied pharmacy later in life. It wasn’t quite the same but it was something you seemed to enjoy. I remember waiting for the bus home one evening, and you were telling me about going in for your first mammogram as you had the Cancer gene on your family. I wish I could tell you then they were looking in the wrong place. Somewhere along the way you met Aron whilst working at The Warehouse. I can’t think of anyone more perfect for you. He saw what a beautiful human you were and supported you in everything that you do. I still remember your wedding. I can’t think of anything more badass than taking a helicopter into your own wedding. It was a stunning day. As we aged I was inspired by your involvement in triathlon's. It was something I had always considered doing but you were out there doing it. I never got to your level, but I valued your encouragement and enjoyed our afternoons swimming at the Takapuna Beach Series. Life got in the way of me completing the Paihia to Russell swim this year, one you talked about as a real tough swim. When I do finally complete it I will be thinking of you the entire way.

My beautiful friend. You were taken far too soon, and I will miss you so much. You were one of the smartest and bravest people I have ever met. You were the reason I went back to university to study postgrad, and I'll always be so grateful that you encouraged and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and do something scary. You did that many times yourself, achieving much success and inspiring others along the way. Triathlons, beach swims, a new career, postgrad study, your own business. And you did much of it while battling invisible illness that would have made many others quit. I know how hard you worked and how hard you fought this cancer. You always faced things with positivity, kindness and a beautiful smile, and you will be remembered for that. I feel so lucky to have worked with you and to have called you my friend. Goodbye, Celeste. Rest in love. Every time I wear the jewellery, use the pens or bookmarks or hang the beautiful Christmas ornaments you made me I will think of you. And every time I think of you I will smile ... because I knew you.

A shining light with such a bright smile to match. Will always remember * your positivity and friendliness towards all those around you * your love of the ocean and the chats before the beach series swims * doing aqua jogging at the Millenium - you welcomed me the first time I attended * your love of Disney - cherish the moments spent in Anaheim Disney with you and Aron * your love of Aron and all the cats you’ve had * your determination, dedication and drive to follow your path into pharmacy - so inspiring * that smile! You are a total inspiration, taken way too young. You achieved a lot in your time. Forever remembered. Fly high.