Christabel GIBSON Obituary

I remember meeting and enjoying the company of Christabel when my Dad, Reay Mackay, was assisting her with details as she wrote a book I treasure on our Descendents My Condolences to the family of a very special lady

Dave, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. Arohanui

A great lady and teacher to my children,highly regarded,and remembered to this day!

It was such a special honour to have got to know Christabel, friend of my great grandmother Jean Findlay. Words don´t feel adequate to express her kindness and the joy it was to meet her. She told my cousin and I about our family and our history here in Wellington. I will never forget the day she walked with us all through the botanical gardens. She was an amazingly inspiring woman who was so generous and always checked up on my cousin and I. Thank you for allowing us to know you Christabel. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

Condolences from the Makomako Eising clan.
Christabel´s name came up frequently over many years during family discussions.
A lovely lady who I´m sure will be missed by many.
Creagh Eising

To David and family, Phil and Colleen and family. Christabel's passing invoked many memories for me. Nearly 59 years ago I began teaching at Pahiatua School and Christabel was the Head of the Junior Department. We were in awe of her. A commanding figure, with a commanding voice. I remember thinking I could indeed control the mere forty pupils I had in my room as Christabel had 50 plus new entrants in hers and she managed to teach them to read. She was my first female mentor; practical, firm, and unafraid to stand up for what she believed as right for education.
As four young women had come onto the Staff at this time, Christabel thought it her duty to match-make and we became guests at her dinner parties. She was a great host; witty, amusing, kind and thoughtful and I remember vividly the fun times we had at her house. Her close friends had the temerity to call her Christie, which we of course, never did.
Her indomitable spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved and respected her.

Long and full life, photo at Christabel's 90th, condolences to David and family.
Sally

Christobel was a friend and colleague to many. Always cheerful and good hearted she enjoyed a long, fulsome life and career. Here she is at the 2010 College of Education reunion.