10 May 1953 â 29 August 2024
10 May 1953 â 29 August 2024
Peacefully at Jean Sandel Rest Home on Thursday, 29 August 2024 age 71, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimers. Most precious wife of Larry. Adored mother of Ryan, Casey, Narelle, Reece and partners. Dearly loved Nana of Lily, Blake, Lucca, Nikau, Okema and Indi.
Messages to the O’Byrne Family may be left here, on her tribute page.
Requiem Mass for Heather will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Powderham Street, New Plymouth, on Tuesday 03 September 2024 at 09.30am.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimers Taranaki
For those unable to attend, Heather’s funeral will be livestreamed here, on here tribute page.

Funeral service held at St Joseph's Catholic Church New Plymouth
Rest in peace Heather, you put up a good fight, I'm sorry to hear of your passing. It was a pleasure getting to know you and Larry, I have never met a couple with such love for each other. Best wishs to Larry and family
I have such fond memories of Heather from the brief time I got to spend in New Zealand. A true lady who will be truly missed. Sending all my love to you, Larry, and all the family. Wishing you all peace at this time. Rest in peace Heater. Love and condolences to all. Eoin
Dear Larry and all the family. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you all on this very sad occasion. Rest in peace Heather. Sending love from Dympna and Joshua
Larry and family. I am so sorry to learn of Heather's passing. I have nothing but wonderful memories of you all from many years ago. So very sorry for your loss.
To Larry and family shocked to hear the passing of Heather. She was a wonderful person. I will always remember her kindness and empathy inthe sudden passing of my mother. She also brightened up our workplace with her helpfulness and cheery nature. Rest in peace Heather
To Larry and Family, So sorry for the loss of your lovely wife, mother and grandmother Heather. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Catherine Moloney.
Larry and all the family, What a beautiful service, we are so sorry for your loss, May Heather RIP đđ»,
Dear Larry and family, Our hearts go out to all of you as you come to terms with your loss and as you farewell Heather today. We really hope that one day soon, the memories of the fun times you spent with her will help to bring you peace. Until then please know that others are thinking of you, and share your sorrow....
Dear Larry and whÄnau, We were so sorry to hear that Heather has passed and are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Arohanui Shannon, Craig, Harry, and Poppy
My deepest sympathy Larry on the death of your beautiful wife Heather. RIP Mother and Grandmother. May God keep her gentle soul safe until we meet again in Heaven. I am thinking and praying for you all at this sad time. There will be a mass said in Ireland for Heather during the week. Ar dheis DĂ© go raibh a hanam dĂlis Mary xxx
My deepest sympathy Larry on the death of your beautiful wife Heather. RIP Mother and Grandmother. May God keep her gentle soul safe until we meet again in Heaven. I'm thinking and praying for you all at this sad time. There will be a mass said in Ireland for Heather during the week. Ar dheis DĂ© go raibh a hanam dilis Mary xxx
Sorry i meant Heather
So sorry to hear the passing of Jean
To Larry and Family Myself and our wider Quin family extend our deepest sympathy. For me I have a lot of memories of Heather on the netball courts and I must admit it was âoh shit sheâs playingâ but that was because she was skilled and competitive to boot and I had to bring on my best game. My thought are with you. Kathy Quin (Deniseâs Sister)
Thinking of you Larry and family at this sad time with the passing of Heather, long-time friend and close Alzheimer's Clubmat to Ted. Heather endeared herself to all with her ability to laugh at herself, her 'wicked sense of humour' and her cheeky side. Arohanui Margaret and Ted Normanton
Larry and family We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Heather was such an amazing lady, every Tuesday night recording the athletic results, knowing everyone's name and age, which meant we had time to catch our breaths as we leant over the desk. Heather was so good with my children, looking after them, so I could run. Larry there was that one time with the cart and a fence and Heather took care of Oliver.... She is a very special lady. Take care
To Larry and your lovely family, Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences at this sad time. Fond memories on the netball sidelines with Heather watching our girls play and you as Coach Larry. Thinking of you all Julie and Peter Fleming
To Larry and family - sincere sympathy on the passing of Heather. May she now rest in peace and love.
Dear Larry and family, It is with sadness that I offer my deepest sympathy to you. My thoughts are with you all. Alison O'Byrne
Dear Larry and Family, We are so sorry and sad to read of Heathers passing. I loved the sparkle in Heathers eyes when I visited and Mick always enjoyed her company on Club days. Larry you and the family looked after Heather so well. She will be sorely missed. Sending love and prayers. Sorry we canât be there on Tuesday but will be thinking of you. Denise and Mick Novak
To Larry & Family So very sorry for your huge loss, our sincere thoughts are with you all. Wayne & Jenny Zaloum
To Larry and family, So sad to hear your beautiful Heather has passed away. Thinking of you all at this sad sad time. Love and huge hugs Glenda x Kia kaha
Larry, I am devastated to hear of Heatherâs passing. Unfortunately, we have lost touch over the years but I have vivid memories (and photos) of the fabulous times we had together with our young families. Notwithstanding the ârunningâ that Heth and I did together!! R.I.P. Heather and please get in touch Larry so we can catch up soon in N.P. Dawn Maxwell (Whitaker)
Dear Larry and Family Saddened to read of Heather's passing. A lovely lady now at rest. She will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. With deepest sympathy, Heather Ryan and Family.
Dear Larry (Lois) & Family So sorry to hear of Heatherâs passing. Iâll always remember her amazing defence skills on the netball court and her fun loving personality off the court. Great memories of both Heather and our coach. What a team. Arohanui,
I was so sorry to hear this she was a wonderful person and such a loss to your family. You were both so much more than neighbours for all those years and I looked up to you both so much as a teenager and young adult. I was lucky enough to also carry that relationship on with Heather as an adult by working with working with her as well. I will remember her always with love and affection. I can still see her whipping around that netball court! I will be overseas next week so cannot make the funeral which I am gutted about but Julie and Dad will be there. Larry, You did such a great job caring for Heather - on one could ask for more. I have told Julie to ensure she gives you a hug from me! Take care you yourself and your family. Deb
Larry and all your Family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Your Heather. A long time since Iâve caught up with you, and even much further back since we went to school together. May the Prince of Peace be with you at this sad time for you all. Have you all in our prayer. Our love, Murray n Marie Astwood.
Sending our deepest sympathy to you Larry and family - your beautiful memories of Heather will live forever Sandy Phear & Family
To Larry (Jaws) and family. Our thoughts and love goes out to you all at the loss of such a wonderful soul. Heather was always a bright light, always a smile and always an awesome sense of humour. The years we all shared at the Star Rugby Club will always be remembered and treasured, great times, great people. Larry, you have been an absolute legend in taking care of Heather during her battle with this wretched disease. You may be small in stature but have always had a massive ticker. Well done mate. Hoddy and Denise
Heather and I haven't seen each other for years, but I am still sad to hear of her passing. So pleased that she has had the love of her husband, children and grandchildren to help her through those difficult times. May she now rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to cussie Larry and family, Heather was one of the finest wife and mother personalities with a special sense of humour and will be greatly missed. Apologies, will be late arriving but hope to catch up on Wednesday / Thursday.

Funeral service held at St Joseph's Catholic Church New Plymouth

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