10 responses to “Edith”

1. 

   Sharon

   October 7, 2024

   The verses from Ephesians 4 describe Mum and her way of life well. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4 v 2 – 3)

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2. 

   Robert

   October 7, 2024

   I loved the way she was a woman of prayer. She prayed for every one of her family by name every day, and she prayed for her ecclesia every day. A few months ago I asked her why she woke up so early in the morning (2am). Her reply was that she needed time to pray because with a growing family it took more and more time. We are going to miss those prayers! But instead, maybe we all need to enlarge our own prayers to cover for the ones Mum used to offer.

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3. 

   Kremlin

   October 7, 2024

   Gran was always patient, kind — the embodiment of love. She had time for everyone and I will be forever grateful for the grace of having the time I got to spend with her. Now she is at peace and always in the loving memory of everyone who knew her.

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4. 

   charis

   October 8, 2024

   Words could never capture the essence of Gran. She was an amazing woman and such an inspiration. She never complained and always welcomed everyone with a smile, making people feel welcome, loved, cared for and heard. She was generous and selfless, putting others before herself. Even to the end she remained faithful and steadfast. The way she remembered the names of all her family in her prayers each morning amazed me. I think I will be reminded of her every time I eat a lemon biscuit or mars bar.

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5. 

   Mel Provis

   October 8, 2024

   The Prayerful Shepherd

   Our Children are a gift from God, from the moment they enter our lives we are entrusted with the care of these special gifts and Gran showed her daily love and Shepherding of her flock through her continuous prayers.

   Her prayers have been a comfort and blessing to me and my family especially through our greatest trials. Grans parting blessing for all her lambs spread over the world and final act of love by placing us fully back into the loving and watchful care of our heavenly father will be one of my most treasured gifts.

   This story from a recent experience reminds me of Gran:

   Faith, resilience, perseverance, hope, peace and enduring love

   A young women shared her own mother’s love of tending her garden. Her love flowed through her hands and her flowers flourished and were treasured by all. Some of her favourites were her orchids, which were later gifted to her son Richard and Daughter to be, Ruth, for their wedding. When she passed away about 45ish years ago, her precious orchids were lovingly transported to Richard and Ruth’s home where throughout the years they did not flourish and rarely flowered. Over the years, many were gifted to close family and Ruth is now left with 2 cherished plants. Almost 2 weeks ago, just before Richard came home from hospital, Ruth’s eye caught sight of these beautiful pink Orchids, just 1 stem of flowers sprouting from one plant. Even more astonishing is that through the rare times these orchids did flower, she never got these beautiful pink ones, the very same colour that was used in her bridesmaids bouquets at their wedding. These flowers after 45 + years, choose this moment to bring love, joy, faith, hope, comfort and a story of resilience during a hard time while Richard’s family lovingly cared for him during his final battle with cancer. During this final week, Richard mustard up all his strength and asked to make one last journey down to sit with his children and beloved wife. Just before he settled on his favourite chair, he was shown the gift his mother’s love had produced for us all. A smile of recognition, comfort and peace, came on his face as he laid back and listened to his family chatting around him, about the stories of their past together. This 10mins together was one of the most precious and beautiful moments I have experienced and will carry forever in my heart.

   Like these orchids, Grans love and continual prayer for us, will continue to keep flourishing for years to come through us. She has shown us how to Weather the storms, valleys and hills in life with resilience, faith, hope and prayer. We are taught to, pray and be still with peace knowing that he is God, we are not alone and we will never be given more than we can handle. Thank you Gran for being a great Shepherd to our family 💕

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6. 

   Andrea Gore

   October 8, 2024

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, what a very special lady and amazing Sister in Christ. She opened her doors to care for so many including me in my teenage years. Even so come Lord Jesus. ~ Andrea

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7. 

   Martyn Mair

   October 10, 2024

   First memory I have is you took me to Kindergarten. Wishing me a good day, waving with your beautiful smile. Your hair in my memory was always grey, and made me hold you as a wise, motherly angel in my heart and mind. You were never pretentious, and your eyes were always seeing how to help those around you. You were never overly opinionated, but always knew what words of encouragement to give. You told me recently how happy you were to see me happy, and never stop looking after my lovely wife. I will never forget reaching my child hand up to be held by yours as you took me for a walk in your front garden. In my childhood memories the path was so steep and was such a climb, but so fun with you. To me you were always remembering and thinking of us all and praying for us all.

   “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.”

   —Matthew 23:37

   Under Her Wings

   Beneath the shelter of her wings,

   A mother shields from life’s harsh stings,

   Like tender hands that cradle close,

   She offers all she loves the most.

   Her watchful eye, her gentle care,

   No burden too great for her to bear,

   Her heart beats steady, strong, and true,

   As she guides each child through skies of blue.

   In storms of life, she gathers near,

   Protecting those she holds so dear.

   With every prayer, with every song,

   Her love grows fierce, her arms grow strong.

   Like a mother hen, she’ll gather tight,

   Her children safe in day and night.

   Under her wings, they rest, they grow,

   In her love’s warmth, their hearts will glow.

   Gran I will love to follow your example and be kind, just as you told us to.

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8. 

   Joelene Knight

   October 10, 2024

   So many wonderful things have already been said about such an amazing woman. Gran’s ability to face trials with calm and prayer is something i will always aspire to.

   However, what I will fondly remember is Gran’s playful wit. She had a knack for clever, lighthearted teasing and brought humour with a wink and a smile.

   I look forward to seeing her playful smile when we meet again.

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9. 

   Nathan & Tania Mair

   October 10, 2024

   Living in Australia meant we weren’t always lucky to see Gran in person. However, we are grateful to have kept in touch via good old fashioned snail mail. 

   We always looked forward to receiving a handwritten letter from Gran. To see her thoughts on paper put a smile on our faces. Those letters will be even more treasured now.

   When Ethan & Genevieve learnt of her passing they were sad that they never really knew her. We reminded them that if they know their Nanny (Lynda) then they know Gran too. For Gran’s loving kindness & gentleness lives on in her children and will no doubt be passed on for generations to come. 💕

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10. 

    Catherine

    October 12, 2024

    It is a privilege to be Mum’s daughter in law. I am forever grateful to you Mum for giving me your son as my best friend and husband.

    Thank you Mum for your love your prayers your hugs your smiles your meals your recipes your cards your loving words your time your support as alway.

    You loved us and we love you dearly too Mum. From your top2 favorite daughter in law-Catherine.

    Reply

I have had the privilege of being mums daughter in law for the past 43 years. In our lives we may be lucky enough to meet a few people who truly embody everything that Christ came to show us. Mum was the true example that I can only aspire to emulate. She was loving, non judgmental and always put others before herself. Mum you will always be missed until we meet again. This world has lost a truly beautiful soul. ✝️

Leann Nightingale

Sister Edith
Edith followed her God in her service each day,
Lived by His teaching as she walked in His way.
She showed Jesus’ mercy, compassion and love
As others came first – the royal law from above.

Edith eagerly spoke of the hope she held dear,
For she knew in Christ we have nothing to fear.
Serving and thoughtful, and resorting to prayer,
Showing consideration, honour and care.

To support and nurture Edith reached out in love,
To all who she met she showed grace from above:
She spoke words of kindness, and soothed the sad heart,
Was a friend to the lonely, helped make a new start.

Edith joined in the song on a worshipful night,
And sang with great joy and a heart of delight,
As praising her God, and the Lord Jesus too,
For provision and blessing she’d jubilantly do.

The Almighty Creator, who gives us all life,
For Edith was her shelter when dealing with strife:
She had unlimited faith in the face of all trial,
Her hope resurrection, which would make her smile.

When Jesus returns as the king of the earth,
The saints of all ages will come to rebirth.
Awakened from sleep Edith will stand with her King,
Immortal, victorious, His praises she’ll sing.
By Ruth Devis
(October 2024)

My memories of our dear Sister Edith begin when we came to Auckland for CYC and she welcomed us into her family for the weekend on many occasions with loving hospitality and care.  This was a valuable time of fellowship and spiritual uplift when we were living in isolation.   Later on we shared a common passion for spreading the gospel with Bro Deryck and Sis Edith and were involved in the classes to teach the friends and contacts from the Chinese community.  The regular Sunday night classes, the singing groups, the home BBQ’s and the family nights run by our Chinese members and friends all have Deryck and Edith at the centre.  They were loved, valued and respected by us all.  Their legacy will continue, not just in their natural family, but also in their spiritual family and amongst friends.  What a blessing to share eternity with such wonderful examples of wisdom and truth.
Ruth Devis xxoo

Mum’s Miracle!
In mid December 2012 Ethan Robert Mair was born. Rob and I were in Sydney to meet the little new grandson (our first). I had just arrived to join Rob when, that night, we had a phone call from Sharon to pray for Mum as she was in hospital fighting for life. I prayed all night, but later I learned that it was Mum’s own prayer that was heard and answered –

As she later told me, Mum was in an ambulance on the way to hospital with an impossibly low blood pressure and she could feel herself slipping away into a Very beautiful sleep. At that moment she had a choice – to enjoy the invitation to peaceful sleep, or to resist and complete her desire to help Dad in his battle with cancer. She remembered thinking “What will Deryck do without me?”

She prayed, and her miracle came.  The paramedic who was with her in the ambulance, said he had never seen anyone with BP that low still talking to him.
Mum replied “Well I’m talking to you!”

Later, after a life-saving and successful operation and recovery, the operating surgeon told Mum he would have operated in the hospital corridor if a theatre had not been available. That is how urgent it was.

Mum went on to have a life extension of nearly twelve years, and was there for Dad right to his final breath.

Such is my recollection from conversations with Mum.
Love and Shalom, 
Lynda

6 Children
20 Grandchildren
32 Great-Grandchildren
1 unborn Great-Grandchild
6 Children’s Spouses
17 Grandchildren’s spouses, fiancé’s, and previous spouses
2 Great-Grandchildren’s fiancé’s
84 Family members to pray for
2:00am start for prayer – and no wonder!