Woman's Auxiliary Air Force member fondly remembered this Anzac day

Patricia Clark's two sons John Clark (left) and Ross Clark. Photo / George Novak

A survivor of the Napier earthquake, an orchardist, a farmer's wife and a part of the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Te Puke's Patricia Clark lived her 102 years well.

Clark joined the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Air Force in 1943, amidst the battle of World War II, and was stationed as a kitchen-helper in Levin, Ohakea and Gisborne.

Anzac Day was always a time for Clark to reflect on the time she served and the people she knew and she often headed down to the local RSA for a day of remembrance.

She was born in 1916 in Hastings and did her schooling in the area, where her parents were budding orchardists.

When the Napier earthquake stuck in 1931, Clark decided at the age of 15 not to go back to school and instead help her parents on the orchard.

Clark did this for a number of years before joining the force in 1943.

Her role was integral over the war period, as she fed and looked after the airmen and sergeants at the bases.

Following the war, Clark began nursing in Hastings, where she met her husband-to-be Eric Clark. The pair were married in less than a year and began farming in central Hawke's Bay.

Two sons later, the family drew a ballot for a farm in Paengaroa in 1964, where Clark joined the Federated Farmers women's division.

Sadly, her husband died in 1977 and the family built a property in Te Puke.

Clark became a well-known member of the Te Puke Ladies Club and was a part of it for over 30 years.

Clark's son Ross said his mother was a "truly wonderful woman" who loved gardening, a wine with the neighbours and walking.

"She never owned a car and walked everywhere well into her old age".

Unfortunately, Clark lost her eyesight in one eye in her 80s, however, that did not stop her from being the best "one-eyed carpet bowler" in town, he said.

Clark kept in contact with friends she made in the WAAF, whether that be writing letters or the annual Christmas card. Her time in service was a special part of her life.

After 102 years of good health and outliving her husband by 41 years, Clark died in a rest home in Te Puke on April 19.

A service for her will be held on Monday and as a true tribute to her days with the air force, all donations from the service would be directed to the rescue helicopter.