Brave battler Pearl dies at age of 94

Pearl Sanger, pictured two years ago with the new novel signed by author Lee Child. Photo / John Stone

Pearl Sanger loved reading crime novels but life became crueller than fiction when, aged 92, her house was burgled and set on fire while she was in hospital.

The feisty nonagenarian, who moved back into her Tikipunga home after that attack in July 2013, died earlier this week.

For the past three months, failing mobility meant Mrs Sanger had lived at Radius Rimu Park Rest Home, her nephew Ray Broad said. Although she was happy at the rest home, she had been sad at having to leave her own home.

Throughout the ordeal that nearly destroyed her home of more than 30 years Mrs Sanger acknowledged the support from her nephew.

Her plight also touched Northern Advocate readers' hearts. The Advocate launched a campaign to get the home repaired after the arson and replace her damaged goods. Local tradesmen and businesses came together to turn the charred and smoke-damaged structure into a beautiful home. Mrs Sanger was overwhelmed by the generosity.

Mr Broad said his aunt, who had lived independently since she was widowed 20 years ago, had been courageous - and opinionated. "She was a tough old bird," he said.

"She would have made a great barrow-woman in Cockney London."

He said that in the past few days he had seen another side to his aunt, through reading the love letters she and her late husband Bill exchanged when he was in Burma serving with the British Army in World War II. He said Mrs Sanger's passing was the end of an era.

Mrs Sanger had been well cared for at the rest home, where she also had temporary accommodation during the refurbishment of her damaged house two years ago, Mr Broad said. The day youths broke in, stole her television and cash from a money box, then torched her house was the same day Mrs Sanger had been due home after a week in Whangarei Hospital with a chest infection.

Among other belongings destroyed in the fire was Mrs Sanger's collection of crime novels, including by her favourite author, Lee Child.

When Child heard about her plight he sent her a signed copy of his latest book, Never Go Back. A service will be held for Pearl at the Maunu Crematorium at 10.30am tomorrow.