Also known as "Flo"
17 December 1940 – 16 August 2025
Also known as "Flo"
17 December 1940 – 16 August 2025
Passed peacefully Saturday 16th August 2025, at Trinity Home and Hospital, Flo laid down her knitting for the last time, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of Ray. Cherished mum of Karen (Auckland), Ian & Teresa (Urenui), Vanessa & Brendon Birss (New Plymouth), Mark & Kerry (Hawera), and Denise & Jason Darbyshire (Gold Coast). Beloved Nana to 10 grandchildren and Nana Flo to 8 great-grandchildren. A gifted seamstress, Florence stitched beauty into every thread of her life. Her careful hands mended and created, not just in fabric, but in the hearts of those she loved. Each stitch a memory, each pattern a story. A service to celebrate Florence’s life will be held at Tairoa Lodge, Puawai Street, Hāwera, on Thursday 21st August 2025 at 1.00pm, followed by a private committal the following day. A livestream of Flo’s service will be available on her tribute page at www.hardingsfunerals.co.nz/tributes

Funeral service held at Tairoa Lodge
Sorry to read of Flo's passing and wasn't able to attend her funeral but my memories of her is back in the days at the sewing factory we both worked at. My love goes out to the family a d Ray
Hearing of Flo's passing brought back memories of my youth, of my cool young aunty and her mum with the biggest and best hair I had ever seen. Sending lots of love to the Hayston whanau at this sad time. Rest in peace Flo Xx
We have beautiful memories of our cousin. R.I.P. Florence.xx
Condolences to the Hayston Family. I remember your mum with kindness such a gentle soul. I watched the service online very special was great to see some of the 'ole gang' .
Growing up with Aunty Florence, Uncle Ray and all the kids was so much fun. That’s a word I’m going to repeat a few times in this. We lived with them when we first moved to Hawera, 4 Adults and 8 kids in one house, so much fun for us kids probably not for the adults. Many visits to Morrissey street, with loads of fun in the attic, omg climbing the ladder in the boys room, as a little kid that was so high, and then there was Florence’s chicken chow mein it was Flo’s specialty. Caravan/ tent holidays to Urenui beach, swimming in the river and over on the mud flats, we all had a great time that’s for sure. I think we have been very lucky to have lifelong friends that you can say this about. It’s extremely sad that you’re gone but a blessing you are not dealing with the dreadful illness anymore. Sending love to you all today, your mum was an absolute gem and will always be in our hearts forever. Love you Teena & Floyd.
Sending you all lots of love, Florence was such a beautiful lady, and I remember spending lots of time with her over the years as kids.
So sorry to hear of Flo’s passing. Even though it’s incredibly sad, she is now at peace from that awful disease as is my Mum. It doesn’t make it any easier though. Thinking of you all at this time. Sending lots of love and hugs. Xx

Funeral service held at Tairoa Lodge

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