Mt Taranaki shone like a beacon towards Patea yesterday, which local people say is sign of heaven opening its doors.
More than 500 people gathered in the Patea River bank home and gardens of much-loved and well-respected resident Reo Ripeka Munn for her tangi.
Reo died on Sunday. She was 73, was born in Patea in 1942 and had lived there all her life.
The service was led by her loved Ratana Church apotoro (ministers) and morehu (followers), with the Gate Family Church in Patea and pastor Marilyn Broughton also officiating.
There were two hours of heartfelt spoken tributes, tender waiata with a lot of dabbing of hankies and tissues on damp cheeks. For more than 30 years Reo was the head chef of the Ratana kitchens, which was always deemed a man's job, her daughter Jemaima said.
"But my mother could turn her hand to anything.
"There was nothing my mother couldn't or wouldn't do. Everyone thought she was amazing because she was."
Reo's late husband Joseph Munn was killed in an accident when their eight children were still young.
Four of her children developed muscular dystrophy by the time they were 7 years old, which daughter Erana died of when a small child.
Even though Reo had questioned doctors and specialists for years about the debilitating disease without getting any concrete answers, finally she gave up and took over the care herself.
Jemaima said her mum completely reorganised their small house with three wheelchairs and hospital beds. "Doctors told her her children wouldn't live past their 20th birthdays.
"Well they're in their 40s and early 50s now."
Reo was described by so many as a selfless woman, devoted to her family, and a true champion of all people.
"My mother believed in everyone. She was very strong - she always gave everyone the very best she could give," Jemaima said.
Her house was always filled with her mokopuna and other kids from around the area, she said.
"Food was important to her and she fed my disabled brothers Wiremu and Manu and sister Charmaine with great care every day.
"She wouldn't let them be taken away. She looked after them and the rest of our family helped as well.
"But she never, ever gave up. Her strength was incredible." During the tangi, two old dogs and a small cat pattered several times around the casket, laden with flowers and photographs in frames.
"That's the other thing. All the little animals would find their way to mum especially when she was in the kitchen at Ratana.
"She brought them all home ... there's quite a few of them around," Jemaima said.
Patea town was practically empty yesterday with many residents standing quietly in Reo's sunlit garden saying their final farewells to a much-respected and loved friend, mother, nana and great grandmother.
As her coffin was put into the hearse, her grandsons performed a passionate haka, farewelling her as she left for her final resting place in the Patea Cemetery.