Chris HEENAN Obituary

Sad news have great memories of the Heenan family. Take care

Chris was my reading recovery tutor and I loved her integrity, passion for tikanga Maori and her professionalism always underpinned with compassion and humour. God speed dear Chris. Arohanui to all her loved ones in your grief.

Dear Chrissy...I first got to know her as a young teacher at Addington School back in the 80's. We were both just starting out in our careers. Chrissy was always a fun person to work with and a good friend. Back then she was also body building and an instructor at Total fitness. She had loads of energy! Chrissy helped to ignite a passion for Te Ao Maori in me. She came for dinner one night just after I had had my 3rd baby who screamed the whole meal time. No big deal..Nothing phased Chrissy....Our paths haven't crossed for a long time but I will always be grateful for her friendship and encouragement. My love to you all the family. Her passing will leave a huge gap in your lives.....Ruth Coapman (nee James)

Chris was my Reading Recovery tutor for 2 years and supported my return to Reading Recovery teaching. She was an inspiration - direct yet supportive, professional yet caring. I was always inspired by her knowledge of and passion for literacy teaching. As all great teachers are, she was committed to making a difference to young learners. Such a great loss to education - Chris will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to her family. Arohanui, Karen Amyes.

So sad to hear about Chris. I still remember her as my College of Education tutor in the late 1980s. She had us all under control, but behind that was a passionate teacher and committed educator. I had the pleasure of working with her at Addington as a student teacher and in later years running into her at the supermarket. Much love to her family.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Chris´s passing. She was a passionate, inspirational, extremely knowledgeable and fun Reading Recovery tutor, whom I considered a friend as well as a colleague. I felt privileged to have had her as my tutor. I will continue to hold her teachings dear, and feel her on my shoulder as I work with children. Moe mai ra, Chris. Arohanui Catherine Te Aika

To all the Heenan family, I was very sad to hear this news. I went to Hagley High school with Chris and knew all the family, although we lost touch in our 20´s I have very found memories of growing up playing tennis and basketball together and just having heaps of fun. xx

To the Heenan family, Hank & Mana. I knew Christine & the Heenan family for a few short years in the early 80s and was certain that she would wind up contributing to the world in such a passionate and heart felt way. I came to the remembrance today out of curiosity of what had happened in her life and it warm my heart to hear all of the speakers repeat stories of a person much loved and very loving to all that passed through her life, "except the Minister of education apparently".
From a friend of her early post school years my condolences on Chrissys most untimely passing, my best to all of you
Greg

What a privilege to study with you, work with you, laugh with you and learn alongside, and from you, e hoa. You are such a wahine toa, an inspiration and a humble leader. I will always treasure the special memories I have of us singing together, learning together and laughing together. Moe mai ra e hoa. Moe mai ra xx

My love and thoughts to you all at this time.
Chris was my mentor and I´ll never forget her kindness, support and friendship Chris showed me with my teaching journey.
Aroha x Kerri Narbey

To Hank, family and extended family, I was so sad to read of Chris´ passing and as I am unable to be there on Monday for the celebration of Chris´ life, I wish to extend my deepest condolences and loving thoughts to you all. I have known Chris from my time working with her at Redwood School and remember her professionalism, dedication, compassion and kindness which when combined with her great sense of humour, made everyday so special and such a joy. She will be sadly missed but I will forever cherish her memory which will always be with me. Love to you all.
Anne Grueber

I'm saddened to hear of Chris's passing, she was such an inspiration to my boy at Kaiapoi Borough School - she never gave up on him.
Much love to all of her family and friends xox

Thank you Chris for your strength in kindness. Your huge heart and love & concern for the children you taught over the years will long be remembered. Love to your friends and family.

Chris and I were friends in primary school and then made contact again as colleagues. We made a great team at Redcliffs and became great friends. I´ll miss our many conversations and laughter over a spiced chai latte. You were an inspirational teacher, leader and friend and a special soul.
My thoughts are with Hank, Mana and the family
Anita

So very sad for Chris. An inspirational teacher and mentor to me in my first years teaching at Addington School. Still follow her lead in teaching reading today. Love and thoughts to Hank and family. A special person taken too soon xx Philippa Chilvers

Sending all my love to Hank - Chris was an inspiration to me as a student teacher all those years ago in Fox. Such a lovely person RIP Nic

My sympathy and prayers are with you Hank and Mana.

I got to know the amazing Chris Heenan at Redwood Primary School. She was the ultimate education professional and she was compassionate. I benefited hugely from her wisdom, advice and mentoring.

Catherine Blummont

To the family. My thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Maree Reynolds KHS

It´s with much sadness I read today of Chrissy´s death. As a neighbour and friend of the wonderful Heenan family of 50 years ago in Bolton Avenue Christchurch, I have always remembered each and every one of them....., Chrissie and all her brothers and sisters, along with their great Mum and Dad Judy and Ernie with warmth respect.
They always showed us such kindness and fun, and Jane often babysat our children.
This loss of Chrissy is very sad for you all, and reading the notice in the Press, she sounds as if these days she was an especially funny and loving special Chrissy to all.
Please accept my sincere condolences, and pass my genuine love to all the family.
Warm Regards Lyn Bailey.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and held so dear.
Hank, Mana and family. Thinking of you all.

Aue, haehae te ngakau i tenei panui ohorere!
Chris was such a beautiful, kind person to work alongside. Truly devastating news. E rere ana nga mihi aroha ki te whanau.

Chris will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. An inclusive, positive and compassionate leader who was deeply dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for all children - a legacy that will continue to inspire.

Moe mai ra - Bernadette Hiha - on behalf of the Reading Recovery community.

Chris was a tireless supporter of Reading Recovery and a breath of fresh air in the University of Waikato Reading Recovery team. Nothing was too much trouble, supporting others while carrying a heavy workload herself. Always with a smile. Finally at peace Chris.