400 mourn Kiwi author Celia Lashlie

Celia Lashlie was well known for her work on raising boys and in the prison service.

Celia Lashlie was aptly described yesterday as an inspiration to all who knew her.

The tribute to the Kiwi author and social commentator was paid during her funeral, when almost 400 people packed out Old St Paul's Cathedral in Wellington to celebrate her life.

Among those who spoke were former journalist Amanda Millar and a former head of the prison service, Kim Workman.

Ms Lashlie's children, Gene Hyde and Rebekah Henderson, also paid tribute to their mother while her five grandchildren, who knew her as Nana, were close by.

Ms Millar said she felt honoured to be able to talk about Ms Lashlie's work, calling her an "unbelievable friend and inspiration".

Ms Henderson said despite the fact her mother was a heroine, a warrior and an inspirational lady, she was also just an ordinary person.

"I will miss my mum and the way she included me in her life, made me feel important and loved me unconditionally."

Ms Lashlie was best known for her work with the Good Man project, which focused on research from discussions with students in 25 boys schools throughout the country.

It formed the basis of her book, He'll Be OK - Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men.

She also wrote two other books - The Journey to Prison: Who Goes and Why and The Power of Mothers: Releasing Our Children.

Ms Lashlie died on Monday night after losing her battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61.

This week, her family said she had been admitted to hospital after Christmas when a scan revealed the cancer. They said her passing on Monday night was peaceful.

Yesterday, as a photo tribute to Ms Lashlie was screened to the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah, many of the mourners wiped away tears, while others laughed at happy memories.

Ms Lashlie's coffin was carried out of Old St Paul's to a waiting white hearse while Jewel's Life Uncommon played.

A karanga was performed as the coffin neared the hearse and mourners said their last goodbyes.

Throughout the funeral, friends and family spoke of the many projects Ms Lashlie had been passionate about.

Her advice to mothers of boys became well known, and her work on raising teenage boys as well as social justice issues saw her in demand for speaking engagements in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States.

Her family have set up a Givealittle page in her honour, hoping to continue her work. The page has already raised more than $9500.