Tessa WARD Obituary

I have just heard today of Tessa's passing. So very, very sad as she was a beautiful and inspirational woman with a very large heart and lovely twinkle in her eye. She and Sam have been in my thoughts a lot since her last email to me in February. I met her in London in the mid 80's through David and Annie Barclay and we struck up a friendship that has lasted for many years in many continents. I remember holding Sam as a very new bundle in Oxfordshire. She was the proudest most adoring Mother and that lasted throughout her life. She and Sam came to visit us in Melbourne (where I now live) a couple of years ago and I feel so sad I will never hear that beautiful, gentle voice of hers. Sam you are always, always welcome here with us in Melbourne and our love and thoughts are with you and your family. Miranda Jacques

I first met Tessa when, with my friend Steve May, we attended the Native Forest Action Council (later Maruia Society) Easter Camp in the mid 1980s. Tessa was engaging, friendly, thoughtful, passionate about the environment, interested about everything and had that sense of fun that made it a joy to be in her company. Steve and I would catch up with Tessa over the years and with my family we saw Tessa in the UK and NZ, most recently with Sammy while living in Hamilton. Always making an effort and demanding so little, Tessa you walked gently on this earth but found a way to touch many hearts. Thinking of you with gratitude, Carolyn and Brett

Tessa and I had an interesting history together - apart. We met in Hawaii in the late 80's while she was on her way to England and marriage and motherhood. After a friend and I met her and said our goodbye's I returned to the States. I wondered what happened to her and contacted her 2 yrs ago through email. At this time of our life, we were both free again and started corresponding. She and Sammy visited England and Washington DC last summer. While there she asked if I could jet there and meet everyone. We had a lovely time and it was my first time meeting Sammy, who loved his mum dearly. Before and during that time she was in her struggle and we continued to correspond until just recently when her brother Tim let me know that she passed. She was a unique lady and one who will be sorely missed by many people, myself included. Rest in Peace, Tessa. Joel Marcuson

So many wonderful memories Tessa.

Love to you and sympathy to the family

Hi Tess
thinking you in prayers
Lesley

Hi Tess thinking of you in prayers

Lesley

Tessa. - it was a privilege to have been your friend . You showed enormous courage fighting this cancer . And I shall remember your selfless dedication to Sammy