She was born and grew up in Auckland, but Hilda Constance Griffin (nee Allen), who passed away peacefully at her home on August 27, two months after celebrating her 105th birthday, is well remembered with deep affection in the very Far North.
Audrey Walker (nee Berghan), who lives at Ahipara,said Hilda's nursing career had taken her to Te Hapua and Paua many years ago. The people there taught her to ride wild horses and to speak te reo, while she in turn taught them "proper" English.
"She fell in love with Maori," Mrs Walker said, "and the people there fell in love with her. She has left a legacy that continues to this day."
She had been a peaceful lady, and to the end of her life remained a very skilled scrabble player.
In her work, and life with husband Cyril, she had made homes in Auckland, Ramarama, Kaikohe, Te Hapua, Te Kao, Kawakawa, Raglan, Dunedin, Onewhero and Hobsonville.
Her many talents and passions had led to her being remembered with affection not only as a registered nurse, district nurse, Plunket nurse and midwife but as a Bible School teacher, a Bible College graduate (with honours), a care group leader, a Sunday school teacher, a co-church planter, an iPad user, a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a pianist, a florist, a family historian and archivist.
Hilda was farewelled at a service in Hobsonville on August 31, where the readings included 2 Timothy 4: 7-8: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing'.
