Glenis Helen Massee
28 Nov 1961 - 07 Oct 2023
Glenis Helen Massee
28 Nov 1961 - 07 Oct 2023
This letter was prepared to be read, by Peter Ericksen, at Glenis's funeral service.
Sadly the opportunity did arise. ????????
????Sincere Condolences to Peter, Nina & Shaun, John & Aubrie, from all the Ericksen Family.
How Blessed you all are, with forever memories of an amazing, wonderful Wife, Mother & friend.
A true treasure & example to us all.
Our family, the Ericksen Family from Korokipo, have been friends throughout the years with the Molenaar family. Even before Glenis was a twinkle in her Mummy's & Daddy's eyes.
Our Father having a dairy farm, "Waima" employed several Dutch immigrants in the late 40's, early 50's. The first I believe was Harry (Aari) Followed later by his brothers Aart & John, (Jon).
Harry came straight from the war in Indonesia, to work at Waima, an excellent and reliable worker. He suffered with the debilitating disease, malaria, which came in waves, but fortunately eventually disappeared. A long lasting infliction from mosquitos when in Indonesia.
Harry was only 21 when he arrived in New Zealand. Because he had turned 21 at war, our wonderful Mother gave him a 21st party for his 22nd birthday, secretly making him a stunning Windmill cake, set on a large mirror with bridges, and water. It was a perfect Dutch windmill scene.
Harry stayed & worked for many years as a dairy farmer at “Waima", then moving on to timber milling for a time at Rotorua/Tokaroa.
Our Father passed away suddenly in 1952. As Harry was the only one with long past experience on our farm, our Mother asked him to please come and assist managing the farm. Eric was 22 and Peter only 14. He did this for many years providing great managerial assistance & stability, until Eric & Peter were able to run it on their own.
Judy was only 4 when Harry arrived, & only 8 when her Dad passed away. So was well love and disciplined by Harry who stood for no nonsense!
At some point Harry became a Rawleigh's agent! Now this took him far & wide in his little Austin car that he owned. I believe he even sneaked Peter out of school to do the run with him. Much to Peters delight, & without our Mother's knowledge!
It was on the Rawleigh's run that Glenis's Dad, Harry, meet her Mum, Joy Halliwell. Out on the sheep Station at Patoka. The rest is history. Yes a wonderful union of two lovely people and then along came Glenis!
How very proud and overjoyed were her Mum and Dad. A beautiful little baby girl, who filled their lives with happiness & made them so very proud.
Glenis learnt the piano, & became an excellent pianist, passing high grades in her music. Also of course becoming a much sort after accountant. Glenis was the pride & joy of her wonderful Mum and Dad.
How proud they both were at Glenis's wedding, and marriage to Peter.
Wow, life was indeed perfect. Made even more perfect by the arrival of Nina and John.
A few years later & we now have Nina & Shaun and John & Aubrie...
How dearly Glenis loved you all. Her lovely eyes shone with happiness knowing she was also loved by you all.
The love, support and strength given and shown by you all, to Glenis, has been so incredibly forthcoming and indeed, very deserved????How wonderful.
You all did her proud ????
No mother or wife could ask for more????
A message from Judy,
Please forgive me for not being there with you all.
I will be with you online.
I know Glenis would understand.
We have always been good friends, although at a distance. Glenis and Peter's generosity to Paul and I was always appreciated.
I will always remember and miss Glenis's care and love, shown via beautiful cards. When they were away on holiday, for birthdays and Christmas. Carefully chosen cards, decorated with the pretty stickers and beautiful words. Picturesque post cards from all over the World. Most of these I have kept.
For the first time, I got a beautiful message on Messenger for my Birthday, on the 27th of September. How caring, loving and thoughtful as always.
I replied to her, and I got a "Grumpy face" response ???? Bless her heart, I know it was really meant to be a smile????
Will be missed always, but forever in our hearts, darling Glenis????
Love to all your wonderful family always.
Judy Haynes, & my
Australian Saunders family
????????????
A photo of Harry with his 21st Birthday cake.
Also Happy times at Taupo ????
Judy Haynes ( 24 Oct 2023 )
A beautiful sendoff for an amazing woman. Glenis moved in next door to us when I was just a teenager, I have watched her beautiful children grow into good people. Over the years she became a close friend who I will miss dearly. She was always full of strength, character, humour and had an open heart. I will miss the coffee, biscuits and good honest chats we had, and my letter box will miss her letters one of the few who still wrote real mail. I send love and courage to Peter, Nina, John and all of those who hold her dear in your hearts.
kylie ( 17 Oct 2023 )
I am so sorry to have missed the service.
I didn't know anything until my brother Chris returned from overseas today and called me.
I grew up with Glennis and always marvelled at her amazing control of having an entire pantry full at the farm, of chocolate and not eating it. I spent alot of time at the farm with her and Uncle Harry and Auntg Joy.
How on earth did Glennis pass away? To say I am shocked is an understatement.
Judi, nee Wiffen.
Judi ( 16 Oct 2023 )
Strength, thanks for the opportunity to say goodbye from the Netherlands. Kind regards, Fiona Polman