Obituary: Maud Gover a “very remarkable lady”
Maud was born in Auckland 96 years ago. Her dad died when she was very young, and in those days before DPBs her mum took in sewing to support herself and her daughter.
After moving south her mother remarried, to an Irish goldminer who worked in the isolated goldfields in Ben Nevis valley. Maud was brought up with a stepsister, Dorothy, “running wild” in the valley with no other kids around. She loved her life in the hills, the freedom, the great outdoors, and developed a strong independence and resilience which she built on all her life.
When she grew up, Maud decided to become a nun, but before she joined she accompanied her mum on a trip back to England. There were no planes, of course, so it was a sea voyage, and on the trip home Maud met a nice young Englishman called Len. He jumped ship in Wellington to join her, and instead of becoming a nun, Maud became Mrs Gover. They lived in Belfast and had one child, Ann.
After many fishing holidays based at Pakawau camp, Len and Maud moved Golden Bay in 1972 and built their own home on the beach at Pakawau. Len helped in Pakawau shop, but he died young, followed by Dorothy and Ann, so life was difficult and at times lonely for Maud. She had a real acceptance of her lot in life, never complained, and never carried a grudge or bitterness, which is an admirable example to us all.
Maud is survived by her son-in-law and grandsons, who all live in Australia.
Maud was a very valued member of our Pakawau branch of Rural Women and a good friend to many. She joined in 1973 and was secretary and treasurer for a long time over the years. She was awarded Bar of Honour in 1985 (branch) and 1995 (provincial) and life membership in 1998.
A service of farewell to Maud was held at Joan Whiting Rest Home on April 27. Maud lived at Joan Whiting for the last 18 months of her life and died there one day after her 96th birthday.
Pakawau Rural Women thank the staff at the Rest Home for their wonderful care of Maud and for hosting the celebration of the long and full life of this very remarkable lady. It was an honour to have known her.
Submitted by Joyce Wyllie on behalf of Pakawau Rural Women
