To Mrs Smith and Margaret, I was sad to read about Christine today. I met Christine at a PLAIN conference and heard her speak. Wow! Christine was classy and generous. As Lynda said, she made a difference. It was a pleasure to meet and learn from her. My condolences.

Dear MargRet Deeply saddened to learn of Christine's death. Carroll and I send you and your family our deepest sympathies on your sad loss. Peter Quin

It is with heavy hearts we heard the sad news of Christine’s passing. Lorraine, Elizabeth, Mark and Dean all have fond memories of our young years in Eltham and our friendship with Christine. Christine was a beautiful soul. A lovely lady. Sadly missed by all the Sheehy family of Eltham. Our thoughts and prayers go to Margaret and the family.

Dear Mrs Smith, Una and whānau. Very sorry to hear of your great loss. I'm grateful I could view her ceremony on line. Christine aka "Smith" to my siblings was another sister for us. She really was special. Arohanui David and Margaret

Christine. You came to be known as C-Geek during our days at Write. A powerful, caring, determined, very particular trainer, and very styley--the ultimate professional. Post Write, we became friends, catching up frequently over a red wine at Ombra. You hired me at Clearspace when I needed work to help you with Ryman and Z Energy annual reports. Your unique approach changed their worlds. You provided glowing references to potential employers--which I was so humbled by and most certainly got me the job! It was this time I got to know you as a young adult Una. Christine--you did an amazing job as an amazing mum. I am so shocked by your sudden passing. So many things I wanted to catch you up on. I will miss you so much. Your fun, energy, sensibilities. Rest well. Love, Michelle xx

Dear Mrs Smith and family Sincere condolences on the loss of Christine.

Very much love Christine and all your family. It was such a delight to meet Ùna a few years ago - what a wonderful young woman and a credit to you. The tributes bring back great memories, you were enviably good at everything, including being bad! I too laugh out loud at some of the times, including your surprise at waking up in your bed on the balcony outside the 4th form dorm. I wish I could be there today, I certainly am in spirit with good memories as friends and family. Moe mai ra e hoa Libby

I will always remember Christine from the workshop she led for Jesuit Refugee Service in Rome on communication and writing. I will never forget her wisdom, kindness, and generosity of spirit. Her passion for sharing knowledge and uplifting others was truly remarkable.

Dear Üna,Aunty Margaret and family, My sincerest sympathy. I remember Christine fondly as a bubbly little girl on visits to Forsyth Island! Christine and Katrina shared my bedroom when visiting and were a lot of fun to be around. I will cherish the memories made together. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Philippa Moffat (Redwood)

Christine and I were partners in crime at Erskine College. To be fair, Chrstine was always a couple of steps ahead of me (smarter, quicker witted, and with a higher level of "street smarts"), but it certainly was fun trying to keep up with her. The tight spots we got into from time to time were well worth it. I laugh out loud when I think about those days. Not that Christine needed me as a friend. Not at all. She had them for Africa, and for obvious reasons. She was clever, with a great sense of humour and style, and an irrepressible spirit. Everyone wanted to be in Christine's camp, me included. Chrstine, I wish I didn't have occasion to write this, or not for another 30 years anyway. See you tomorrow. Love Mary

Much love ❤️ to you all. Remembering our boarding school days at Erskine and the shenanigans that we got up to: smoking in the old bathrooms, sunbathing topless after slathering ourselves with Johnson’s baby oil and turning lobster red on the roof of the Coen building, food raids of the school fridges in the middle of the night, and sneaking off to the fish and chip shop on The Parade, and into town to the movies, Suzy’s coffee lounge and James Smiths Department store. Those were the days… Christine was creative and skilled in language (English, French and German), and in the school debating team; stylish in dress and in appearance with perfectly plucked eyebrows and coiffed hair (with regular trips to her hairdresser Samson and Delilah in Oriental Bay). She was also artistic (drawing, sewing and skilful with an embroidery needle), and in the renowned Erskine school choir. Sister Mackle, our astute 7th form English teacher summed up Christine’s character in our 1979 school magazine: “Age cannot wither her; nor custom stale Her many wiles; other women show The charms they have, but she holds in reserve Cryptic depths of thought.” Requiescat in pace dear Christine ❤️

It has taken me a few days to pull myself together to write a tribute.. Like Fransje I too attended Erskine College where I met Christine; petite, enchanting, strong, clever, funny and lovable. I especially remember admiring her amazing ability to write – and beautiful handwriting. Even though I have not had a chance to meet up with Christine over the years (and I wish I had), I have often thought back to those school days and the impression Christine had made on me. Saying goodbye this soon feels wrong….so I have chosen a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye… Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there; I did not die. My heart aches for you all ❤️ Christine, a piece of your heart is now a star in the sky 🧡 🧡

I am so deeply saddened to hear the news of Christine passing. Our connected paths in one's life journey began in the media in Taranaki in the 1990s. Christine was very fond of making her mark with her red pen or highlighter all through, what I thought, was well constructed copy for the adverts I had sold or promised to our beloved clients. The fun, tears, tolerance, brutal honesty and ability to stand up for ourselves in a very unique and raw industry, will be impressions that will last for me forever. Kia Kaha Christine

Tēnã koutou. I was deeply saddened to hear of Christine's passing - my condolences to Úna, Katrina, Margaret and the extensive Smith whānau. The Smiths, Margaret and Peter, were a big part of the broader Eltham community where our families lived and as children we attended the same Eltham Convent school. Years later, I met Christine again through Brendan (we both played in local bands in Palmy) and later while I was back in New Plymouth for a year, I was fortunate to get to know Christine again. Nevertheless, due to geography and lives going in varying directions, it's been many years since we have met other than all too briefly, via Linked In. Christine's passing is a reminder to me in this busy world, of the importance to make time to stay in touch with colleagues and friends you admire, any way you can. In the brief 24 hours since reading of Christine's passing, I've read many fine comments from friends and colleagues that recalled their time with Christine - and there will be many others too, who will miss Christine and think the world of her, and deservedly so. Once again, my condolences to Úna and the Smith family. About Christine, I share a phrase in Irish, provided by my wife, Orfhlaith. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Her likes will not be seen again.

I am so sorry to hear of Christine's passing. I remember her from years ago when I stayed at the Smith household in Eltham, when I was a child. Feeling for her family at this time.

Una and Margaret - we haven't met but I'm so sorry for your loss. Christine worked with the Kin team over a period of years; we all absolutely adored her. Her wisdom, wit, insights and patience live on in our team. I remember well when one of our team would ask her an especially curly question relating to grammar: Christine would smile her wry smile and start her response with 'well, it depends' - that statement has become part of our teams vernacular when we have curly scenarios. Also, she's probably suggest I could have found a better word than vernacular! She will be missed.

To Una & family I am saddened to hear of your loss. There is no one in this world like your mother. She was a special woman, and she will be with you always. Your mum's kindness, generosity and caring nature were contagious, and her memory will live on forever. Lots of love Maria & Keeva

With great fondness I remember the wonderful writing seminar she held for us here at the International Office of Jesuit Refugee Service in Rome. Her professionalism and passion for communication will always remain with me.

I have fond memories of Christine from her time in Rome and her excellent workshops which still influence the way I write to this day.

I haven’t seen Christine since school days. I was a weekly boarder and in the same year at Erskine College. I remember that she was very popular and I thought she was super attractive. Looking at the photo posted here, I see she was still a very good looking 63 year old woman. My thoughts and prayers are very much with her family at this very sad time for you all. I am so sorry for your loss. She is too young! My heart goes out especially to her daughter and to her mother. Rest in Peace Christine.

3rd March 2025 Dear Margaret and family, Our deepest sympathy to you all on the sudden death of your loved daughter, sister and mother. The loss of one so young is a shock to all. Please be assured of our prayers. With love, Aunty Sue, Uncle Tom, Catherine, Antony, Paul, Chris and Mark Jeffries Marlborough

I worked with Christine in 2018 at Clearspace, and she was just the kindest, funniest, smartest person. We met to discuss work a few times and she was such great company — so sweet to my baby boy when I brought him along, and clearly a very proud mother to Úna. I remember thinking that I would like to be as stylish and smart as her when I got older. I’m just so sorry for your loss and I will think of her often.

Christine, you came to work at Write Group when Una was just 4 years old ...the cutest Mummy- Daughter couple with the best outfits and a determination to win the day. Years have gone by since you left, but your legacy lives on. Our love to you Una. Your mum made a difference.