Today we finish our 3rd week of lockdown. Earlier this week I received the sad news regarding the passing of Ms Lynley Leilona who worked as a teacher aide, sports coach and mentor at Wesley Intermediate School. Lynn was also a well known community member through her work at Mt Roskill Grammar School as a tutor, and she also supported a number of schools in training up their Niuean cultural groups.
I remember Lynn with great fondness and love. She would do anything for any one in need. I vividly remember the time when she 'adopted' one of our students for approximately three months. This student wanted to stay at our school but government agencies wanted him to go and live with extended family in Northland. He was heartbroken to be leaving our school as he really wanted to graduate from our school at the end of the year. Our lovely Lynn took on the government agencies and battled her way through numerous red tape so that he could stay with her for the final three months of his Year 8 year.
Lynn had a huge heart, and even though she had been through so much following a very serious car crash that left her with all types of health issues, she cared more for others than herself.
In recent years she moved to Australia to be with her grand children, whom she loved dearly. She would ring me 3 -4 times every year to see how things were progressing in the Wesley area. This was her home and she missed it dearly. Approximately ten weeks ago she rang me to say 'Good bye' as the cancer that she had fought for so long had returned, and even though she was a fighter, I believe she knew her time was coming to an end.
I consider it a real honour to have known her. She blessed so many of us in so many ways, and she will be missed by many in the community.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to her family. God bless you Lynn. Gone but not forgotten.
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