The Mount Maunganui woman struck by a train while crossing the railway lines at Matapihi on her bike has been described as a "discerning woman and a devoted mother".
Kumiko Wakamiya Goodhall, 55, was out cycling about 2.30pm on Tuesday, training to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail next month, following her daughter, Hana's graduation in Dunedin.
At the time she was struck by the train, police say Mrs Goodhall may have been distracted by the use of an MP3 player or iPod, bringing the dangers of listening to music while cycling into the spotlight.
Mrs Goodhall's husband, Allan Goodhall has been a teacher at Mount Maunganui College since 1980 and is currently international manager at the school.
While Mrs Goodhall had not worked at the school in a formal manner, acting principal Tina Yule said she had worked with the school's international students on many occasions,
Her funeral will be held in the Mount College school hall, with staff and students having the opportunity to attend.
The school will close early that day. A date for the funeral is yet to be decided.
The Goodhalls have two daughters, Jean, 23 and Hana, 21.
Hours after her mother's tragic death, Jean was arranging to fly to Tauranga from her home in Japan.
On Tuesday night, close friend of the Goodhall family and Tauranga city councillor Wayne Moultrie was at the family's home with Mr Goodhall and Hana, who he said was coping, "as well as any daughter would cope with the loss of a mother."
Mr Moultrie said he attended the couple's wedding and estimated he had known them about 30 years, staying with them for a short time while they were living in Japan.
"I'd simply describe her as a discerning woman and a devoted mother," he said.
Mrs Goodhall has lived in Mount Maunganui for 24 years, while her mother, father, two sisters and brother live near Nagoya, Japan.
She was a student counsellor for Japanese students as well as an administrator of Japanese-owned rural investment, Oliver Farm, at Matamata. She was also a graduate of Te Wananga o Aotearoa, a former marathon runner and a keen walker.
Mrs Goodhall's tragic death has highlighted the dangers of cycling while listening to music.
Tauranga Kids Can Ride instructor Iris Thomas said riding while using an iPod or MP3 player was one of the issues addressed by a cycle safety video, filmed in Tauranga and played to children aged 9, 10 and 11 in local schools.
"We talk about the dangers of not being able to listen to traffic," Ms Thomas said.
In the film, 11-year-old 'William' leaves home on his bike while listening to his MP3 player. His mother calls him back telling him to take it off while he is riding.
"When you're a cyclist it's crucial you use as many senses as possible."
Mount Maunganui College acting principal Tina Yule said a letter was to be sent home with students today explaining the situation.
"The staff and students are sad for the family's loss and helping the family in any way they can."
Police want to speak to the female driver of a sedan that was sitting at the front of the queue, on the Matapihi side of the crossing, while the train passed.
Devoted mother tragically taken
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