Remembered

Gladys was born on 31st December 1937 in Collingwood, Golden Bay, as the youngest daughter of Florence and John Langford. The family lived on a farm in Bainham, where Gran managed the household, and Grandad worked as a blacksmith and farmer. Gladys had four siblings: Alec, Ian, Lorna, and Murray.

She began her career in postal services at the Langford Store and Post Office, run by her older sister, Lorna. It was here that she developed her retail sales skills and discovered a natural talent for bookkeeping. The church played a central role in the Langford family, and it was there that Gladys discovered her love of singing.

In her early twenties, Gladys decided to make a change. With support from the Bainham community, she moved to Tinwald, a small town just outside of Ashburton, where she worked at the local post office. It was here, with the help of Murray’s mother, that she met Murray Harris. The couple married in Collingwood in 1964 and moved to Ashburton, where they purchased a piece of land, built a home, and planted an apple orchard together.

Gladys worked alongside Murray, tending to the trees, harvesting the produce, and selling it from a roadside stall—all while raising three children. It was a busy and fulfilling life. In 1977, they relocated to Richmond, Nelson, where Gladys was reunited with many of her relatives. She became an active member of the Baptist church, where she participated in the choir and served as a leader of the Girls’ Brigade.

Through connections at the church, Gladys found a job at Daelyn Berry Farm, where she made lifelong friends. There was always laughter in her company. Her love for singing continued to be a central part of her life, as well as belonging to a number of choirs she enjoyed attending live musical performances with her friends. I think music gave mum great joy and was a part of her happy personality.

After the tragic loss of Andrew, Gladys' life took a more somber turn. Her once lively demeanor now carried a tinge of sadness, but her resilience shone through. She took a job at the Richmond Post Office, where she worked until her retirement. In her later years, Gladys and Murray pursued their love of travel and tramping combining both when visiting family and friends across New Zealand and abroad. They traveled to the UK, Nepal, North America, and many other destinations.

For over 25 years, Gladys also supported Murray at the Nelson Saturday Market, where he sold his can planes. She enjoyed the early mornings at the market, exchanging greetings and cheeky banter with fellow stallholders.

During the Covid pandemic, Gladys and Murray moved into Kennington Court. There, Gladys’ sharp wit and quick comebacks kept the staff on their toes. The staff often joked that if she didn’t have a witty retort, something was amiss. Gladys was known for her lively, cheeky sense of humor and positive outlook on life.

She will be greatly missed by many, but especially by her son Derek and family, and her daughter Cynthia and family.

A Celebration of Life to be held at Shone & Shirley Chapel on Saturday 02 August 2025 at Half Past One (1:30pm).

Gladys Rita Harris

Gladys Rita Harris

Notice by Shone & Shirley Funeral Directors

Tributes

Notice by Shone & Shirley Funeral Directors