Kath GERRARD Obituary

It was spring 1985, I stood watching Christopher, nearly a year old, climbing over the bronze dog at Balmoral Beach. I had only been in Sydney about 18 months. Then I noticed tall beautiful woman walking towards us, holding her daughter's small hand. We struck up a conversation and began a long and supportive friendship. I learned that Kathy was from NZ where I had lived for 5years.

Over the years we spent a lot of time at beaches, legoland, the botanics, children's parties, North Sydney Occasional Child Care and particularly the Zoo. Frances and Christopher were best friends and spent a lot of time laughing and playing together while Kathy and I chatted intensely about our children and life. In time Shona and Maddy completed our respective families.

I remember Kathy wanted a career and very much enjoyed her work in publishing. She loved making a home out of an old house, filling it with beautiful art, gardening and entertaining family friends.

It was a time of great passion and vitality in my life. Now it seems that it passed too fast. I treasure the recollections that I have of those days and particularly Kathy's zest for life. She encouraged her children to make the best of every opportunity that came their way.

I missed her and the family very much when we moved to Canada in 1990.

We visited her in Sydney just before Christmas. I can only imagine the pain that she went through as she came to terms with her long illness. Kathy showed great courage, determination and peace. I feel blessed to have spent some time with her catching up after twenty years. She will remain in my heart and memory as a woman who deeply loved her family, friends and life.


Wilma Rubens

Canmore Canada

I will never forget her, she was one of those special people you come across in life that make a lasting impression. She was fun and entertaining, she was always interested in everyone and everything and she had a simple honesty that was refreshing . She was a woman of integrity. I enjoyed so many good times with her in our Tom Price and Sydney days and will forever treasure those memories. With love to Tim, Fran and Maddy and also her family. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Christabel and Chris

Kath so tall, lithe and understated added true elegance to our performances down the bay at Watering Cove on the beach. It is now as an adult I truly commend our parents for their patience watching us as we danced along the beach and under the elephants trunk dressed in ferns.
My deepest sympathy in your sad loss
Diane Strong (Cederman)

Such sad news. Remembering the young gorgeous girl that Tim brought to meet us when he boarded with us in Dunedin while at University. Our deepest sympathy to Tim and your daughters and extended family. Love Sue & Phil Parkinson