Afterword

Canterbury death notices & obituaries

Recent death notices and obituaries from across Canterbury, including Christchurch, Timaru and Ashburton — updated daily. You can also submit a notice, browse Canterbury funeral directors, or read our guides below.

600 notices

Jane LONGSTAFFE

2026 · Canterbury

On September 28, 2026, peacefully with family by her side at Christchurch Hospital; aged 58 years. Dearly loved wife of Dean, a loving mother of Hamish, and a loved daughter of Margaret and Jim Pugh. The family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone including the Christchurch Hospital staff who looked after Jane through her illness. Messages for the Longstaffe Family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. A Celebration of Jane's life will be held in the Academy Funeral Services Chapel, 65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton (TOMORROW), Friday, at 1.00pm. Interment to follow at Yaldhurst Cemetery.

Died 28 September 2026Posted 2 October 2026

Kay PRENDEVILLE-RIVERS

2026 · Canterbury

On September 28, 2026, peacefully at Holly Lea, aged 84 years. Much loved wife of Bruce, loved mother and mother-in-law of Hamish, Brigid, Mark and Nadine, much loved stepmother, and adored Granny of Kate. Loved daughter of the late Doris and Bill. Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten Messages may be addressed to: The family of the late Kay Prendeville-Rivers, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. A funeral service for Kay will be held in St Patrick's Catholic Church, 31 Gerald Street, Lincoln, tomorrow (Friday), October 2, 2026, at 11.00am. Private burial to follow.

Died 28 September 2026Posted 2 October 2026

Clarke KNOX

2026 · Canterbury

On September 28, 2026, passed away suddenly at home, Christchurch. Aged 60 years. Dearly loved husband of Glenn. Much loved son of Maureen and the late Robbie, and loved brother of the late Wendy-Anne. Loved uncle of Robbie, and Harlowe (London). Loved son-in-law of Debbie and loved brother-in-law of Tammee and Graeme, Cole and Tia, Kirstyn and the late Rota. Loved by all his extended family. "Will be sadly missed" Messages to the Knox family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service to celebrate Clarke's life will be held in our Chapel, corner East and Cox Streets, Ashburton, on Saturday, October 3, commencing at 10.30am, followed by interment at the Ashburton Seafield Cemetery.

Died 28 September 2026Posted 2 October 2026

Murray ANDERSON

2026 · Canterbury

Passed away peacefully at home in Blenheim on Thursday, September 24, 2026, aged 78 years. Dearly loved husband of Judy. Loved father and father-in-law of Toby and Carrie, Katie and Ian, and the late Timothy. Loved stepfather and stepfather-in-law of David and Cherie, Michael and Ellie, and the late Brendon. Special Grandad to Tamsin, Hannah, Ruby, Willa, Fred, Samantha, Kailea, Max and William. Loved brother of Carol and Nola. All messages to the Anderson family, c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240, or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. As per Murray's wishes, a private cremation has been held.

Died 24 September 2026Posted 2 October 2026

Bernard LEE

2026 · Canterbury

On Monday, September 28, 2026, peacefully in Christchurch, in his 85th year. Loving husband of the late Val, loved father and father-in-law of Pete and Deanna, Maree (Bid) and Dave, loved pop of Katlin, Amy, Lara, and Mackenzie; Becky, and Hayden, great-pop of Peyton, Oscar, Charlie, and Poppy, dearly loved son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth, loved brother and brother-in-law of Margaret and Ken (deceased), and the late Kevin, a loved brother-in-law, uncle and friend. R.I.P. Messages c/-The Lee Family. PO Box 131, Hokitika 7842, or can be left on Bernie's tribute page at www.thompsonfd.co.nz. A Requiem Mass for Bernie will be celebrated in All Saints Church, 57 Bealey Street, Hokitika, on Tuesday, October 6, at 1.00pm, followed by burial in the Hokitika Cemetery.

Died 28 September 2026Posted 2 October 2026

Brian KAVANAGH

2026 · Canterbury

On September 27, 2026, at Charles Upham Rangiora, aged 84 years. Dearly loved husband of 64 years to Margaret, and loved father of Carol and Ricky, loved grandfather of Tayla Cowper, Michael and Olivia-Rose, and great-grandfather of Raine. In accordance with Brian's wishes, a private family service is to be held. Messages may be addressed to the family of the late Brian Kavanagh, c/- Hope Funerals Christchurch, 27 Amyes Road, Christchurch 8043.

Died 27 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026

Beverley LAMARE

2026 · Canterbury

Passed away peacefully at South Canterbury Hospice on Sunday, September 27, 2026, aged 91 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Jake. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of John and Ann, Stephen and Sunni, Miles and Kelli. Special grandma to all her grandchildren. A short service to honour Bev will be held at Mainland Funeral Services, cnr North and Latter Streets, Timaru, on Friday, October 2, at 1.00pm, followed by a private cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. All messages to the Lamare family, C/- PO Box 4041, Highfield, Timaru 7942.

Died 27 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026

Valerie BROWN

2026 · Canterbury

On Monday, September 28, 2026, peacefully at Ilam Life Care, aged 83 years. Much loved wife of the late Rex, loved mother and mother-in-law of Cheryl and Brendon, Charlene and Tony, Paula and Mark, Rochelle and Paul, adored Nana of her nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Messages may be addressed to: The family of the late Valerie Brown, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. A private gathering has taken place.

Died 28 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026

Simon TOWLE

Canterbury

Peacefully, after a long illness, on Friday, September 25, aged 74 years. Dearly loved husband of Gill. Much loved father of Max, Frances and Julian, and father-in-law of Fraser and Kahlia. Treasured grandad of Franklin and soon to be born, Baby Collis. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Nick, Teresa, Helen, Ian, Kate and Miles, and son-in-law of 100-year-old Geoff. A treasured Uncle. A family-led remembrance of Simon will be held at the Waihi Function Lodge, Geraldine, on Saturday, October 3 at 1.00pm, after a private cremation in accordance with Simon's wishes. Thank you to the Oncology team Timaru, South Canterbury Hospice, and especially McKenzie Healthcare. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Society.

Posted 1 October 2026

Christopher BUTCHER

2026 · Canterbury

Passed away peacefully in Christchurch Hospital on the evening of September 25, 2026, at age 77. Dearly loved son of the late Thomas and Edna Butcher, and brother of the late Sally Webb. Dearly loved uncle of Matthew and Patricia Webb, and loved by many other family and friends, too numerous to name. Special thanks and blessings to all the staff of Ward 12 at Christchurch Hospital for making Christopher's last days dignified and peaceful. A small memorial service will be held at Rossburn Receptions, Rangiora, at 10.00am on Friday, October 2, 2026 post private cremation.

Died 25 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026

Doreen BENNETTS

2026 · Canterbury

On September 25, 2026, from Archer Care Rest Home, Beckenham, aged 92 years. Dearly loved wife of Brian. Loved mother of the late Mark, John and Jean, Vikki and Dean. A much loved grandma and great-grandma. Heartfelt thanks to the team at Archer Village Beckenham for their care and support. Following Doreen's wishes a private cremation has taken place.

Died 25 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026

Annette WILDA

2026 · Canterbury

Peacefully at Nazareth Care on September 25, 2026. Dearly loved and cherished wife of Tom. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Jane and Chris, Richard, Dwaine and Sandra. Loved grandmother of Lilli, Benjamin, and Thomas. Treasured sister of Sr Lyndall Brown rsj, Catherine McGregor, and the late Craig McGregor. Loved aunt (Nettie) to her many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff and caregivers of Marian ward at Nazareth Care for their care of Annette. At Annette's request a private cremation has been held.

Died 25 September 2026Posted 1 October 2026
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