Lesley Aileen Sunderland

6 January 193726 July 2025

SUNDERLAND, Lesley Aileen. Aged 88, of Invercargill, passed away peacefully at Hospice Southland on Saturday, 26 July 2025. Dearly loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She is survived by eight of her ten children: Kerstin, Angela, Derek, Donna, Rhett, Hayley, Elana, and Robert, as well as her deceased children, Nigel and Nathan. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at 1 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 182 Tweed Street, Appleby, Invercargill. The memorial service will also be streamed live via Zoom. For further details, please contact Kerstin at brookeskerstin@gmail.com  Messages to “Sunderland Family” PO Box 632, Invercargill, or you can go to Lesley’s tribute page at: mwfunerals.co.nz/s/lesley

Tributes

Sorry wrong scripture was meant to be Rev 2:19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first.

phillip brookes

I have so many good memories of my Grandma. She's always been there as a constant. Always serving Jehovah always praising me for doing the same. Always reminding me how much she loves me. I loved staying with her in balclutha in her house full of strange things that were "very valuable dear" I use to be keen to get home from school so I could sit in the garage with her and paint. I was terrible at it but she made me think I was gifted. She couldn't find a negative thing to say about anyone. And if you criticized yourself or anyone else she was quick to correct you. Sitting at the kitchen table with her son Nigel lying dead in the driveway. The police are talking with her taking her statement. Between the tears she looked straight at the policeman and said "he will be reserected do you believe that"? The police man didnt know what to say. But that was Grandma. She had incredible faith and trust and would preach to anybody in any situation. Rev 2:1 - I have no doubt these are the thoughts Jehovah has towards my Grandma. I Look forward to seeing her soon.

phillip brookes

I can't remember the first time I met Grandma Lesley, but I do remember being shown photos of Simon as a toddler in hospital wrapped in plaster after an accident and playing on a wee toy drum that Grandma had given him! "He loved that drum" Lesley told me. Lesley was a great Grandma with great stories and she could whip up yummy pikelets in a flash! We look forward to seeing her again in perfect health painting a scene of paradise from within paradise. Lots of love Nicky and Simon

Simon and Nicky Brookes

I remember when I met Lesley with Rose trotter those two together were forced to be reckoned with both of them had a kind heart I became friends with Lesley over the years then I met the boys she was a wonderful lady big heart would do anything for anybody and she had such a wonderful smile my condolences to the family

Peter

The first time we met Lesley was at the wedding of Simon & Nicky. When we had to fly home again to London she presented us with this amazing painting of hers. We didn't know she was so talented! In the New World to come Lesley will have loads more opportunities to praise Jehovah's creations with her paintings...we are looking forward to this very much.

Uschi & Brian

Dearest Lesley, Every day that you popped in to say hello was a brighter day for me, always a hug, always a smile and always encouraging gentle words. A beautiful shining light of faith hope and love, eternally.

Tania

While a life time apart , it was a reunion that was filled with joy, love, laughs and understanding. It was a blessing that we got to reunite and share memories past and made memories for the future. We are grateful for the moments we shared, both the laughter-filled reunions and the bittersweet farewells. Leslie’s presence enriched all our lives, and the legacy of love, kindness, and memories she left behind will guide us forward. In times of sorrow and joy, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit endures in our hearts and in the stories we continue to tell. We are blessed to have known Leslie and she will always be in our thoughts and memories for the future. May she be forever happy in her new paradise having left such a legacy. Thanks for the love, memories and new family – love Ellen, Boyd and Madellyn

Boyd Kennedy

I look forward to seeing Lesley again in the future. Young. Free. Dark hair. Travelling the world, taking in its beauty, painting its beauty, wearing all the pretty frocks. Happy with all her friends and family in the safe and easy new world that Jehovah will provide. She will make the most of it and will love it so much!!

Alayna

l always felt lesley was a great example as a spiritual woman also a great mum to all her family she will be missed by so many be grateful to see that big smile of hers now that the resurrection will her hope and all her loved her to see her again.love FAY

Fay Adamson

A dear sister who smiled through the troubles in her life as well as the blessings she received from Jehovah. Her warm greetings at the Assemblies we attended always brightened my day. Another reason to look forward to the resurrection.

Lesley Vlietstra

Thank you for the gift of life Mum and thank you for the gift of learning the truth about Jehovah You always worried you never gave us enough but you did and we will treasure it and look forward to seeing you again shortly in the new world , here on earth in Paradise , where there will be no pain or crying or suffering and we will be there to meet you Much love from your firstborn ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Kerstin

“The one walking with the wise will become wise.” Proverbs 13:20 From the moment I met Lesley there was an instant bond, Lesley was warm, kind, and full of grace. She was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, deeply loving of her family and friends, and had such a passion for art that it seemed to reflect her soul. I’ll always be grateful for her friendship. Thank you for the laughter, the chats, and the quiet understanding. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

Helen littlewood
App logo mockup
The Remembered App

A simple way to share tributes, receive service reminders, and send flowers or support.

Join the Waitlist
Website Logo

©2026 remembered.co.nz All rights reserved.