Please share your memories and recognition of Edna Garner using this online tribute form below (submissions are moderated and will not be immediately displayed).
Susan Ellenton (13th December 2016 12:00 AM)
The first night I spent in New Zealand (1973) was at the home of the Garners, and I specifically remember that Edna served us delicious homemade tomato soup, using tomatoes from her garden. Thank you Edna for making us feel so welcome! My family was only in New Zealand for year, but Edna and my mother exchanged Christmas cards and family news for the next 40 years. Thank you Mrs. Garner, for tea and kindess. love, SusanCelia King (25th May 2016 12:00 AM)
The day of Edna's funeral 14 May 2016 was the 3rd anniversary of my mum's passing. Both these ladies were called Edna and both were born in Yorkshire, England. Both knew hardship and pain, but had a great sense of humour and enjoyed a joke. Both also had a profound influence on me spiritually, so it is a privilege to remember Rev Edna Garner as well as my mum. The thing that impressed me about Edna Garner was that she always spoke kindly of people, even though they hurt her. I replaced Edna Garner as Chaplain to Auckland Deaf Christian Fellowship and some people had hurt her through gossip. Edna knew who these people are, but she never said a bad word about them and continued to treat them with kindness. She did not resent me replacing her in the work she loved so much, but instead she was gracious, inviting me to her home for a cuppa or lunch, a discussion of my work, a time of mentoring and advice and always a time of prayer. She had a deep love of Deaf people and was always supportive of me as a Deaf Chaplain. I hope that the two Edna's in my life have met each other now. I am so grateful for the blessing in my life because of them.Tim Frank (21st May 2016 12:00 AM)
Through her work in deaf education Rev Edna Garner became a family friend. When I moved back to Auckland as a young student she helped me along the way. Often when I went to Crum Park for football games, I went round by Edna's place and had a cup of tea. Later, I boarded with Edna Garner for a few months. I again boarded with Edna Garner for several months after I returned from overseas a few years later. When I moved south again, I was still in regular contact and always enjoyed catching up. Throughout that time I had many valuable conversations with Edna. She helped me immensely in my Christian walk. And I saw her help many people that she came in contact with. She also had a great sense of humour. In my case she often teased me for my taste for nice cake, but at least I often did get a piece in her house. Even though she was in and out of hospital a lot in her final years and could tell long stories about her experience with doctors and other medical staff, she generally remained in good spirits and with a hopeful outlook on life.Annabelle Mckenty (15th May 2016 12:00 AM)
I first met Edna in 2010 when we went to New Zealand as part of a trip. She is such a sweet kind funny person and I'm sure we will all dearly miss her. Me and my family went back to New Zealand this winter and I remember looking through photo albums with her. According to my mum, one of the last things she did was call us to say 'happy birthday'. As her great granddaughter I am so glad to have been part of her life and I hope that I can be half the woman she was.Rachael Booth (15th May 2016 12:00 AM)
I have known Edna for about 35 years.I met her when she was organist at St Austells at New Lynn.She was a great friend over the years and even officiated in the marriage of my mother.I remember working alongside her at the mission,with the Deaf fellowship as part of my Girls Brigade work.An amazing lady and a honour to have known her.Karen Livermore (10th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Mrs Garner was my great teacher and teach me music at Kelston deaf school in 1976 when I was 10 years old. I still have the class photo of her. Blessing her in my heart. Your old student Karen Livermore.Nola Smith (10th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Edna has been my very dear friend and minister for almost 28 years, at first at Aotea Chapel and then more recently as one of the many for whom she provided informal and perceptive pastoral care. My all-too-infrequent visits or phone-calls were intended to catch up with her and see how she was, but I would always be the one who came away from our conversations enriched and more at peace. Precious times of great warmth and much laughter, that I will ever treasure.Nigel Smith (10th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Shortly after our family moved to New Zealand from the UK in the late ‘80s Edna suggested we go for a walk around the loop track through the bush from Arataki Visitor Centre. We were delighted but unsure how this would go with our elder daughter, then aged 15. The transition from the south of England had been stressful for us all, but particularly for her. In retrospect her adolescent behaviour was probably no worse than that experienced by thousands – but it felt traumatic at the time, the major problem being that you just don’t know when, or indeed if, things will change for the better. The walk was wonderful - it’s difficult to imagine a more soothing combination than a Waitakere bush walk and Edna. Returning, our eldest was quiet. When asked, she said that her afternoon had been ‘okay’. Then she added, “I think Edna’s the nicest person I’ve ever met.†That was such a wonderful thing to hear. She was right, of course, but those words said so much about her future, were so reassuring to her father. I don’t Edna think ever knew just what an impact she made that day. I wish I’d told her. But I’ve no doubt it was just one of many such instances in a loving, fruitful life.Karen Laurie (6th May 2016 12:00 AM)
I first met Edna in 1995 when I moved into her street and met her lovely Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Homer. I had an interest in dogs as well so we began a long friendship and when Homer passed on she got Scooter and she became Mrs Scooter. After Scooter passed away she was dogless for a few years till I had to find a home for Hank, who was a retired Hearing Dog. Eventually she became unable to care for Hank and he came back to me and we remained in contact with Hank visiting regularly. Edna was a wonderful friend and I miss her greatly, she was always very supportive and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Sadly the day after Edna passed away Hank also died and I know he will be waiting at the Rainbow bridge for her. Rest in Peace Edna and Hank, both of you will never forgotten.Sandra Gibbons (5th May 2016 12:00 AM)
My memories of Edna go back to the year 2000, when I started working with the Auckland Deaf Christian Fellowship. She shared a lot about how the Fellowship began and the amazing work she did, not only becoming the first ordained person in New Zealand to be ordained for work with people who are Deaf, but taking the ministry further, helping people break out of the isolation and become people who had worth and respectability. She went into hospitals, including mental hospitals, work places to give support to Deaf workers. She became the person of choice to go to for all issues to do with marginalisation and the need for advocacy. She was one of the first teachers of Sign, (which she had learnt when helping to get sign language accepted into Deaf School,) and was an altogether inspirational and incredible person. I feel honoured to have known her, she was my mentor in my early ministry, and that relationship continued until her passing. Go well, dear Edna, into the hands of your loving God, and receive the reward that you have so justifiable earnt. Blessings to you SandraSue Hopper (5th May 2016 12:00 AM)
I did not know her personally but heard many stories of her gentle nature, her love for family and heart for God. She was my granddaughters other grandmother, who deserved the love and respect she received. Rest in peaceSusan Hope (5th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Mrs Garner was my teacher and also she was a music teacher as well. She taught us the song, played the trumpets, etc. I remembered the song from her in my memory! I was sorry to hear she has passed away in a good quality life. I never forget her, she was a nice person to be with! Lafina and I were the students in the classroom. Many will known her well! Rest in peace and I will hope the Jehovah will resurrect her in the new world. Love Susan nee SpeerSibylle Rhovier (5th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Edna generously welcomed me into her home in Auckland for a few days as part of a trip with Steven, Abyni, and Zaya in New Zealand. I remember her as a caring, humourous, albeit feisty old lady very young at heart. She seemed to love a well-reasoned argument and having some really good laughs, despite quite a few health challenges which had started by then. I don't think she suffered fools gladly... I particularly remember a note on her fridge which said something like, 'dear lord, please make me a kinder and more patient person', or something like that. Stuck to the fridge so she would see it several times a day. Steven often told me about her and what she had said. I will truly miss this connection by proxy. My love to all who loved her.Vikki Wright (4th May 2016 12:00 AM)
Edna Garner was aid teacher and my teacher was Nola Dickey used in my class from 1973 -1978 at Kelston School for Deaf children. She taught me to practice the music in our class over two years. She took me to her church for practice the music. She was lovely person and have been hard time with her students. I knew she was learning sign language of TC English with Miss Dickey. She is wonderful brave age. Hope to future in new world for her.Jean Masters (4th May 2016 12:00 AM)
I met Edna when she was ordained in 1987 along with my mother Joan during our holidays. From there we became friends for many years and constantly in touch by faxes, letters and in person. I was privileged to have her to help us to established Hamilton Deaf Christain Fellowship in 1988. Edna's work, her wisdom, experience and spirit will continue with us forever. I will miss her talks and sharing advice on gardening, the works with the Deaf people in education and church ministry.John Phillips (2nd May 2016 12:00 AM)
I have been friends with Steve for over twenty years. During this time I spoke to Edna by phone and had the privilege of meeting her on a her trip to visit Steve. She was a wonderful women who loved her family. Each phone call was a wonderful event that left me feeling better every time. Her love of life, family and friends was infectious. I will miss those talks, your accent and the way you scolded Steve (Steven). This world lost a wonderful soul and heaven gained one Rest in Peace John Phillips and FamilyJeffrey Hedquist (1st May 2016 12:00 AM)
I only met Edna once when she came here to visit her son Steven. From that point on we had several warm transcontinental phone chats. She had great pride and affection for her children and she never failed to remind me how she treasured my friendship with Steve & John. When Steve would return from a visit or a phone call with her he'd always mention she was asking for me. I'm glad got to meet her in person, and I was glad that through our conversations we got to know each other better. Edna my friend, I wish you well!Lynde Greene (1st May 2016 12:00 AM)
What a wonderful woman she is - an angel among us... Edna's life work will live on thru the lives she touched and her spirit will continue to bless us forever. Love to Edna's family to help them thru the sorrow.