I remember Janet firstly in the 60's when they were on Waimatatini Station. In the mid 80's I returned to Department of Maori Affairs as District Field Officer, Land Operations, Gisborne. Lindsay was my field officer in Ruatoria at that time. The move to Gisborne happened and I always enjoyed visiting him in his shed at Chalmers Road, in later years. Janet was often about. My wife Dianna and I always cast an eye to that house as we drive down Chalmers Road often on the way to the airport and talk about, wonder about and say "the O'Connor's - wonder what they are up to!" Sadly, Lindsay died first. We often chatted to Janet when we bumped into her in town/supermarket. She always knew us and was lovely lady. She was always so proud of her family and grandchildren.Then another move, this time to Hawkes Bay to be closer to family Our sincere sympathy to all the family in your loss . RIP Janet. Love Andrew and Dianna Warren, Gisborne..

Just saw this in the Gisborne Herald and just sending our aroha to the O'Connor whanau. Caught up with some of you in Rotorua about 10 years ago. We were all brought up together in Ruatorea, us in Barry Ave and them in Amiria Ave. Remember that your mum was a staunch CWI member as was our mum. Have vivid memories of the shetland ponies your dad used to keep. Our dad Hughie turned 90 last week and is still working 3 days a week in Ruatorea. Arohanui Hughie, Teresa, Bill, John and Lorna Hughes

More than just our neighbour, Janet became such a special lady in our lives growing up. We will fondly remember all the afternoons we would wait by the fence with Minnie to say hello when you came home. The fun of filling our bags every feijoa season. The excitement of seeing your present under the Christmas tree - always perfectly wrapped rectangles with the latest DVD inside. The anticipation of waiting to see Caitlin and Olivia arrive for the school holidays. We enjoyed many round biscuit tins brimming with your A&P Show award winning baking - which never lasted very long in our house. All such happy memories. Thank you for always showing up to our birthdays and sitting through the chaos of a kids party. Thank you to you and Lindsay for your kindness, warmth, and care. Sending our condolences to the family, with love xx

More than just our neighbour, Janet became such a special lady in our lives growing up. We will fondly remember all the afternoons we would wait by the fence with Minnie to say hello when you came home. The fun of filling our bags every feijoa season. The excitement of seeing your present under the Christmas tree - always perfectly wrapped rectangles with the latest DVD inside. The anticipation of waiting to see Caitlin and Olivia arrive for the school holidays. We enjoyed many round biscuit tins brimming with your A&P Show award winning baking - which never lasted very long in our house. All such happy memories. Thank you for always showing up to our birthdays and sitting through the chaos of a kids party. Thank you to you and Lindsay for your kindness, warmth, and care. Sending our condolences to the family, with love xx

We are saddened to hear of Janet's passing and would like to offer our deepest sympathy to her family. We were fortunate to have Janet as a neighbour for fourteen years and over that time, due to her kind, caring and generous nature, she became more than just a neighbour and was a very dear friend to our family. We have been reflecting on the many lovely memories we have of Janet and the fun and special times we spent with her. She was immensely proud of her family and all of their achievements and we received regular updates on what everyone was doing, especially her grandchildren. I personally admired her determination to remain independent but was relieved when she moved from Gisborne knowing she would have family close by. We will keep you all in our thoughts and hope as time goes by that your memories bring you comfort. Helen, Yasmine, Megan, Isabelle, Sofia and Zara.

Jan was awarded a Good Service Award, plus a Long Service Bar. She was .generous by nature,helped to support W.I. projects. Helped on w.i.pop up shops when unable to walk far carrying a large basket of goodies. She was a fun and friendly member, was greatly missed when she moved from Gisborne. Condolences and love to the family. From Poverty Bay Wairoa Federation W.I and Puha W.I.

Jan was awarded Good Service badge, plus Long Service Bar. She was generous by nature and helped support W.I. projects. Even on our pop up shop days when she was unable to walk far with a large basket of baking etc. She was a fun friendly member. Was greatly missed when she moved away from Gisborne. We send our condolences, love to the family.

Thoughts are with the O'Connor family at this time. I attended Turanganui Women's Institute with Jan where she was a valued member. Jan also won many cups and prizes for here cooking at the A & P Shows over the years. During 1070/80's I also worked with Lindsay at Department of Maori Affairs. On behalf of Turanganui WI I would like to pass on our condolances. Kath Hurne

Such a special lady. You will be fondly remembered Jan. We shared some magic moments together as friends and as Women's Institute members.