Kate CLARK Obituary

I started school with Catherine as 5 year olds at Eastern Hutt School and we became firm friends and had many lovely times singing around the piano while her sister played, picnics with our family and bike rides to days bay so many memories of a lovely peaceful gentle friend. Thoughts with family and her many friends Jo Huntley (Valentine)

To Al and family: What an inspiration Kate was, and it was my privilege to be on the Wellington Alzheimer's Society committee with her and you, Al. Patricia and I had great times with the two of you, and I fondly remember that cosy weekend in Newtown organised by the alz society when we had some great speakers and we blobbed out, certainly Kate and Al did on the sofa behind us as we watched a video. Al, you are an inspiration in your care of Kate, and we treasure those hand-painted coasters given as a present from both of you. I did visit Kate and each time she was always warm and funny (she liked the quirky stuff!). Thanks for coming to our 50th five years ago, too! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Rest in peace, Kate. x

Hello Al and family

I was saddened to hear that Kate has passed away. I will remember with fondness her wonderful smile and gentle personality. I know that Dad( Bill) appreciated her visit to see him and Mum in Picton while they were on holiday not long before he died. He always spoke fondly of his first cousin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time

I watched and observed Kate after she came to KTA from Auckland (as I had young children by then) and I very much admired her quiet but determined and firm advocacy for early childhood teachers. The support she offered to the executive team and kindergarten teachers as KTA continued its transition into its new route engaging and including those working and teaching in childcare was achieved with courage and warmth. Kate had a wonderful smile, was warm and welcoming and she has left a great legacy, including her advocacy for those who face Alzheimer's. My deepest condolences on your very sad loss and know that she is warmly remembered by so many of us in the early childhood network. With loving thoughts, Robin Houlker, (KTA President 1977-78)

Dear Al
With love and respect. Kate inspired so many people. It was lovely to meet her. Thank you both for your courage and for setting a great example.
Nga mihi nui, Pam Crisp

Dear Al and John
I am sorry to hear that Kate has died. I remember her so well in the KTA days. She had huge shoes to fill following Roz Noonan as the General Secretary but fill them she did and left an even larger pair for Linda to fill. What struck me about Kate, apart from those blue, blue eyes, was her intelligence. She was able to put the in the trade union world, which for a bunch of kindergarten teachers felt like a bewildering place. She helped us make sense of it and supported us to advocate for children, for teachers and for early childhood education at the highest political level. She and dear Jean were a formidable team: she and Jeanie were too. She brought her considerable common sense and humour to her work with us and we loved her for those qualities. Moe mai ra e hine, i te rangimarie. Arohanui, Sarah Te One (Mulheron)