Coral ATKINSON Obituary

I was very saddened to find this news on line today.
Carol was a school friend of mine from CGHS days. We spent time together at weekends, either at her home or mine. Carol enjoyed a Nelson holiday with us in late 1961.
She wrote an historic ballad about my family history which I still have in her beautiful handwriting.
I will treasure my two signed books she wrote.
Deepest sympathy to her family.
Heather Cullington-Keith

Thank you Coral for your warm and wonderful contributions to the NZ Society of Authors up until your illness developed and took you from our gatherings. Thank you too for your writings across many genre and the bringing of celtic Aotearoa New Zealand to life in a multitude of ways. aku mihi arohanui Kathleen Gallagher

Fond memories of conversations with Coral, as we cheered each other on (Black Swans) together with Random House. Sincere sympathy to Coral's family. M

Remembering Coral, our precious publishing colleague. Kindest regards to Coral's family from Daphne Brasell and Maureen Marshall

My love and sympathy to all the family.I remember so well the times we had together at Palmerston Road as you grew up. I especially recall that your favourite game was to join Tania on a large rug which I,being 12 years older then dragged around the large hallway with much laughter and screams of delight. ..we spent many lovely times together with your parents Cyril and Pixie and Tania.ofcourse. When my father died suddenly in the early 1950s and my Mother and I decided to join my elder brother in New Zealand we were very sad to have to leave you all. It was not long before your family including Olive your grandmother and my Auntie made the decision to join us in NZ. You stayed with us in Wellington for a period before selecting to settle in Christchurch. A short time later your Aunti Joyce and her family arrived too. Over the years we were always there for each other as our lives developed and many factors affected us all. We attended your book launches and greatly enjoyed opportunities to catch up with the family news. I regret that my advanced age will not allow me to join in your farewell but I will be there in spirit. My love to all your family and I will certainly donate in your memory in accordance with your wishes. A sad farewell but my many memories will always keep you in my heart. Hugh.xxxx

So very sad to learn of Coral's death, and my heart goes out to you Wolfgang and all the family. How you will miss her, but I am glad you had so many good years together. She and I had many adventures together too with our mutual interests, writing endeavours and work for Whitireia. I am just sorry we somewhat lost touch in recent years after I moved from Christchurch. Will be thinking of you all tomorrow as you farewell her. She was a lovely friend, a talented and kind woman, and I'll treasure all my memories of her. Deepest sympathy and love, Paula