I, Vivienne Hillary, nee Little am sending this tribute today on behalf of the Little family in memory of our dear Aunty Eileen.
Aunty Eileen was the greatest friend our mother could have had, and we were honoured to have her as our Aunty. Aunty Eileen and mum, Joy Little met when they were in their teens and became the best of friends for the rest of their lives. Being Chief Bridesmaid and Maid of Honour at each other’s weddings, married life took them both on their own different journeys and they settled in different parts of the country. However, distance could never divide their friendship. Between very regular telephone calls, and occasional trips either North or South. They shared triumphs and tribulations, the joys of parenting and relished in each other’s family achievements. Although distance was between them, they kept the most beautiful friendship and unwavering love for each other. Together they were delightful and could easily be mistaken to be true kin. Sadly, in August 2016 Aunty Eileen lost Uncle Pat and two days later we lost our mother, Joy. A double whammy for us all.
I last saw Aunty Eileen in July 2022 at her home in Puketapu. As always, I was greeted with a hug and made to feel at home. I will never forget the delight on her face when I came to visit and brought her some Belgium biscuits for afternoon tea. Apparently, Aunty Eileen had been asking Peter and Julia to get some for her for a few weeks. I guess Mum was guiding me that day, as I was going to get you some ginger crunch, but saw these and I recalled having Belgium biscuits at Aunty Eileen's house in my early teens, many years ago. I think she had baked these herself. Upon returning a couple of days later I was told that the biscuits were nearly gone.
I have always held Aunty Eileen in great esteem for her humble, tolerant, faithful, caring nature and fabulous sense of humour. And I am eternally grateful for the love and friendship that Aunty Eileen had for our mother, father and all of us. We treasure the memories of their holiday visits down South and the times when some of us ventured North to visit the Daggs and relish the joy, love, and laughter we all had together. Aunty Eileen, Uncle Pat, Mum and Dad are all together again; no doubt having a blast.
Aunty Eileen you were the most loving, dearest sweetest soul.
Love you always. RIP.
Viv Hillary ( 15 Apr 2024 )
