Well-known Northland music teacher Joan Graham has died in Whangarei just a month after celebrating her 100th birthday.
A teacher of piano, Mrs Graham was one of four music teachers who were so inspired by attending the national conference of the New Zealand Institute of Registered Music Teachers in Hamiltonin 1969 they came home determined to set up a Northland branch.
The drawback was that Mrs Graham lived in Okaihau, Wyn Goodson in Kerikeri, Nell Trail in Ohaeawai - only one, Rae Patterson lived in Whangarei. The branch was established later the same year, with the three "country" teachers frequently travelling to Whangarei to support the new branch and attend events. Mrs Graham served as president from 1980-81 and was a committee member for 15 years, retiring in 16 years ago.
She had been living in Shalom Aged Care rest home in Whangarei. Her funeral was held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Whangarei on Monday and she was buried at Okaihau.
