24 July 1957 – 30 October 2025
24 July 1957 – 30 October 2025
Michele Janeene Leeder (nee Ferguson). Passed away peacefully surrounded with love on Thursday 30 October 2025. Much loved daughter of late Trevor Alexander and Ethelwyn Murial Ferguson, treasured wife of Brian, dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Mark and Racheal, Joel and Hanka, and Brook and Rachel, and adored Gran of Georgia, William, Ari, Jakob, Felix, and Zara. A celebration of Michele’s life will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dils Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, Auckland at 2.30pm Friday 7 November 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations to Harbour Hospice (https://harbourhospice.org.nz/donate/) would be greatly appreciated. Our gratitude goes to all of those who cared for Michele while in their care. A live stream of the service will be available at https://share.funeral.stream/MXT6R.

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services
Michele, I'll never forget our times at ANZ Wairau Valley where I first met Brian and then, soon after, yourself. I was a cheeky bloke then (yes, I can hear you say "nothing's changed has it?!") and I pushed people's buttons a few times, resulting on the infamous occasion you and Gaylene chased me into the men's toilets. I was a lot more circumspect after that! Anyway, I just wanted to say how sorry Barbara and I are that we can no longer enjoy the "LBW" dinners with you and Brian, Barry & Robyn. These were always fun evenings which we looked forward to over recent years. Unfortunately, Barbara and I are travelling in the Middle East at the moment so were unable to attend your service. We offer our condolences to Brian and your precious family.
Michele I still remember the day you started your Ignite journey. I loved your authenticity, honesty, sense of humor, and kindness. You were such an inspiration to me, I often thought that I wanted to be like you when "I grow up": the same openness, curiosity and desire to grow and learn. You were a bright light. Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. I will miss you. Daniela
I have always loved the occasions where we have been together and all the interactions with your lovely family. Rest in peace
Michele Sincerest condolences to Brian Mark, Joel Brook and families on the loss of Michele. Michele was an awesome friend although we only reconnected after covid It was like we had seen each other the week before. We had an amazing 6 hour Morning tea, Lunch and afternoon tea and I will treasure that day and all the laughs and memories we made again. Rest easy Michele and I know you will continue to guide your family Love & thoughts Jo & Keith Duffin
To my beautiful friend, Michele...your light brightened every Ignite and Rise & Shine call. Your authenticity, openness, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor was an inspiration to all of us. I will miss you so much. And, I will never forget your compassion and support when I lost my only child...how you checked in on me and sent healing words through your beautiful card and messages. You had a way of lifting me up, lifting all of us up, just by being you. What a gift. Forever grateful you came into my life. Deepest condolences to your family, friends, and all who loved you.
We were so lucky to have Michele as part of our extended family. From the very beginning, Michele made us feel like we belonged. Whether we were staying at Michele and Brian’s house or they were looking after ours, there was always a sense of warmth and ease. Michele had a beautiful way of making everyone feel welcome, like we’d known her forever. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle nature filled every room she was in. Michele will be dearly missed, but we will always remember the love she shared and the way she brought our families together with such care and grace. With love, Jess, Stuart, Jack, Oliver and Amelia
Michele – we simply cannot believe you have been taken from this world so early. We are gutted that Brian and your wonderful family – Mark & Rachel, Joel & Hanah, Brooke & Rachel, and their lovely children – will no longer be able to enjoy your love and kindness first-hand. The memory of you is one we will never, ever forget. When we - a family of strangers - arrived in Marigold Place almost 15 years ago, you were incredibly kind to all of us. You would “send Brian over” to help us with one thing or another; you worried about whether we, and our children, were alright; and then there was your Christmas gathering - the start of a special friendship. I think you knew how much we loved you - for your warmth, your kindness, and your wicked sense of humour. We smile when we remember all the good times we shared - how easy it was to change your mood, and how you sometimes laughed until you cried. Thank you, special friend. We will miss you, always. With much love, and deepest sympathy to Brian and your lovely family – we’re so sorry for your loss. Maura and Kevin
Michele, we met a few happy times, within our shared family, before you faced the biggest challenge known to us in this earthly life. I pray that The Lord, Our God has taken you into the light of his presence with the peace of eternal life with him in Heaven. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace. 👃Bev
Michele A beautiful soul who carried with her such loving, caring warmth. Michele, it was a great privilege to have you as part of our family — to share our Christmases and other gatherings with you, where your gentle kindness and easy acceptance filled our homes and hearts. Your love overflowed from a heart as bright and constant as the light of a full moon. That light — your light — I promise to keep burning brightly in the memories of the grandchildren we share. You will always be remembered as their beautiful Gran, never forgotten. Thank you, Michele, for sharing the grandmother journey with me. You will always hold a special place in this Nana’s heart. With love, Janine
Our sincere condolences to Brian, Mark, Joel, Brook and families. May you rest in peace Michelle. Love Lynette and Garry McDougall
Mum You put up a hell of a fight, right until the very end. But now you are at peace & for that I am grateful. Life just won’t be the same without you! Please watch over us, keep guiding us, keep us safe & we will make you proud. You will not be forgotten! Your memory will live on with me in everything I do, Georgia & William will never forget their Gran & neither will anyone that knows you. You also have a very special place in Racheals heart! You touched so many lives! We all miss you so much already. Love you so much, more than you will ever know, more than I ever told you. Rest easy chook. Love you Mum Always have, Always will xoxo Mark, Racheal, Georgia & William
It was a pleasure to be apart of Michele’s care while she was in Hospice. Rest in peace Michele. Lots of love and deepest sympathy to Brian, Mark, Joel, Brook and family. NGA mihi maioha Lil (aka Queen Elizabeth), Kit, Lindsay and kitchen staff Harbour Hospice
Michele - if only - an amazinf lady - a neighbour a long time friend. Someone who I shared many special moments with, lots of laughs and someone with whom I could connect with instantly even though we did not see each other very often. I will never forget the time in Sunnynook when Mark was just a Baby and was not very well with a seething temperature and you had taken him to the Doctors. I met you outside the Surgery where you had a naked baby in your arms. I couldnt believe that the Doctor had told you to strip him off (Poor Mark)." Well thats what he told me to do" Michelle said. We had a special Bond and Ill never forget you, that hearty laugh over some silly joke. I am sorry we did not make one final connection. Our love and Deepest Sympathy to you Brian, Mark, Joel and Brook xxx
I am so devastated by your loss of Michele, your wife & mum. When I saw your message this morning, it really did hit me with a sharp pain. I remember every second of looking after Michele (& Brian) at the Restaurant & even in the short time I spent with them, Michele made a immediate & lasting impression on me. Love to all & please know everyone at 'O My' has you in their thoughts. To a special lady, Rest easy. Ps There will be a big hug waiting for you on your return to Melbourne.
Rest peacefully dear Michele. We have loved all the fun get togethers when we have had the chance to catch up with you. A very kind lady, and a wonderful friend to our daughter.
Michele’s passing was a shock to me. I hadn’t spoken to her in about a year. It doesn’t seem possible. She was a bright light in our personal growth/health community. Her candor and humor generated such wonderful discussions on our Zoom calls. She was a delight and I will miss knowing her. I send my deepest condolences to her family whom she spoke of with such high regard. Rest in sweet peace, Michele.
Micheles passing leaves not only massive hearts that are broken but such deep sadness with each and every one of her family and friends. Yet those endlessly happy memories that live within you all, shall be shared along with tales of laughter, stories and humour. I can see her lovely laughter then saying, "you're not serious surely". Her mazing Christmas delights and treats she would bring across the years, and coffee catch ups I shared with Michele, will remain as special memories for me.
Michele - a truer, kinder more caring friend would have been impossible to find. For the last 37 years we have shared the lives of our two families, always totally interested in each other’s children and darling grandchildren. I am so grateful that I have many, many wonderful memories of the times we have spent together over cups of tea, lunches, dinners, at our sons’ birthday parties and weddings as well as camping and our cherished Christmas Eve get togethers. Our friendship cannot be described properly in written words, but you and I both know what it has meant to us. Brian, Mark, Joel and Brook will always be family to us, and we will continue to share happy stories, remembering and honouring you for the rest of our lives. You will always be happy when I think of you, and I will be reliving the times we have spent dancing, laughing, chatting and learning from each other. Rest peacefully my dear friend. Your life has made a positive impact on so many people, and it will continue to do so. With love now, and always, from Sandra, Brendan, Michael, Mark, Paul, Juanita, Sarah, Sam and our grandchildren who you have always shared enjoyment in. I will miss sending you the latest photos and videos of Arthur, Frankie and Lucy, and receiving them from you of Georgia, William, Ari, Jakob, Felix and Zara. Xxxx

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services

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