Tribute from Julainne's brother

I met Julainne’s son Matt Sumich about 40 years ago. And so I first met Julainne as Matt’s mother. She was and will remain one of the most intimidating women I have ever met. I remember an early visit to Matt's house. There seemed to be people everywhere and some degree of chaos or hilarity happening in every corner. I fell in love with his siblings when I met them - each so unique, engaging, smart, cool. I remember Milan in the kitchen. Stirring something on the stove. Probably the safest place and certainly the quietest spot. And then when Julainne appeared - stylish, cool, intense, smoking - I realised where these exotic creatures had come from. She was certainly not the Waltons mother I had perhaps imagined, presiding over this semi feral brood and she was ever so slightly terrifying. Please see image for the entire tribute

Wow ! What a fantastic human we say goodbye to today Julianne Sumich as I knew her was a tremendously strong and dignified woman Throughout her entire life, especially through many very difficult and challenging times . She was a brilliant Artist her entire life in every sense of the word , always creating amazing work across the spectrum of sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography and incredible, interactive and intuitive video art at the highest level And she was a highly respected and loved professor of fine Art at the University of Auckland. Please see image for the rest of my eulogy

Thank you for sharing the live stream - tears were shed. How lucky we were to spend that time with your family in Rothesay bay - so many happy memories. Boisterous conversations around the blue table. The ZOOM slide! Julainne you were always the queen, may you rest in peace.

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Thank you, Julainne, for your long friendship with Mum, (Mary Kayes), and for the wee snippets of wisdom you gave me on and off over the years. I'm grateful that I knew you and Milan. I'm grateful too that your children are people I enjoy seeing. Sumich family, you did a beautiful job of meeting your mother's death with grace, honesty and love. Arohanui xx