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K.M.M. STAPYLTON-SMITH Obituary

On May 31, 2025 at Bethesda Care Home, aged 92. Much loved wife of the late Paul, and loving mother of Miles, Martin, Bridget and John. Beloved grandmother of Amy, Ben, Nicola, Richard, Logan and Lauren, and dearly loved great-grandmother of Jack, Caprice, Nina, Pip, Hugh, Jack and Lyla. The family wish to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hoon Hay Rest Home, Bethesda Care Home and Christchurch Public Hospital for the wonderful care and respect shown to Mary. A private cremation has been held. Mary's work as a mother, author, historian and community champion will keep her with us.
Published by The Press on Jun. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for K.M.M. STAPYLTON-SMITH

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6 Entries

Sue Laurenson (Batt)

June 9, 2025

I have such fond and happy memories of staying with Biddy at Camp Bay, even though it was well over 55 years ago. I thought her Mum, Mary, was amazing and loved the house with all the books, the big table in the kitchen, the door frame with peoples heights measured on it, the swing seat on the porch... I remember my spelling buddy Martin as well!! Mary was a wonderful lady who shared so much with other people. Condolences and love to all the family.

Karen and Barry Blatchford

June 9, 2025

What an amazing, talented person Mary was. She contributed so much to her community and was celebrated as historian and author.
Our thoughts are with all her loyal family. She will be sadly missed.

Jenny McPhee

June 8, 2025

Sorry to hear of Mary's passing. We lived in your beach house many years ago. My Dad (Dave Newburry) worked for Paul and Mary. Bruce Stronach lived in the cottage, also by the beach. My thooughts are with you. Jenny.

Liz Henderson

June 8, 2025

So sorry for your loss .I remember visiting at Camp Bay and being at school with Biddy and the boys. Her books are on my bookshelf well read.

EUAN GODFREY

June 7, 2025

Mary did so much for Diamond Harbour in so many areas over such a long period of time. Our piece of paradise is so much the better for her considerable input

Mary Harrison ( Mackey) Lived at Church Bay then Purau.

June 7, 2025

I have wonderful memories of Mary and her family.
Mary was a very busy mother and community member of Diamond Harbour as was Paul.
We are grateful to Mary the historian,
for recording and publishing The story of Oliver Hunter and his family and the stories she recorded about Lyttelton Harbour.
Mary frequently gave me rides to school to and from Purau. My father Fred Mackey played in the Diamond Harbour Cricket Team, with Paul.
So thank you Mary and our sincere thoughts and wishes, to their families. Such special memories.
Mary Harrison Mary Mackey

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Memorial Events
for K.M.M. STAPYLTON-SMITH

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.