Academy Funeral Services
65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, Canterbury 8042, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8443
Recent 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.
Valerie WATSON
2026 · Canterbury
Peacefully, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Summerset Wigram; aged 91 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Bruce and the late John Wright. A loving mum, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunty, and a much-loved daughter of the late Reginald Thomas Oliff and Minnie Evelyn Martin (formerly Oliff). Valerie will be sadly missed by her large extended family (sorry too many names to mention individually), and friends. Messages for the Watson Family, C/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. In lieu of flowers, donations to St John in memory of Valerie would be appreciated and can be made online at https://www.stjohn.org.nz/ A Funeral Service for Valerie will be held in the Academy Funeral Services Chapel, 65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, on Monday, October 5, at 11.00am. Interment to follow at Springston Cemetery, Weedons Road, Lincoln.
Charlotte McDONNELL
2026 · Canterbury
On September 22, 2026, at Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington. Loved partner of Glen, dearly loved daughter of Margaret and the late Geoff and loved sister of Julian. Friends and family of Charlotte are warmly invited to say their finial goodbyes in the Academy Funeral Services Chapel, 65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, from 10.00am, Monday, September 28, and/or attend a gathering at the same place on Tuesday, September 29, at 1.00pm. Thereafter Interment at the Avonhead Memorial Cemetery, 140 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, at 3.00pm.
William PEIRSON
2026 · Canterbury
Died peacefully in his sleep, on September 17, 2026, after 7 months battling illness, appointments and meds. He did so, stoically and with humour in Nurse Maude Care Home, Merivale, Christchurch; aged 90 years. Dearly loved husband of Marie, much loved and respected father and father-in-law of Susan and Brent (Nelson), John and Nik (UK), and William (Dunedin). Beloved 'Gramps' to Olivia and Sam. Many, many thanks for the kindness and tender care given to our Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nurse Maude Care Home would be appreciated and can be made online at donation@nursemaude.org.nz. Messages for the Peirson Family, C/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. At Bill's request a private cremation has taken place.
Dorothy GRANT
2026 · Canterbury
Passed peacefully, on September 12, 2026, at Cashmere View Care Centre. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved and treasured wife of the late Eric, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Gary and Rayleen, Sue, Elaine and Grant, and Christine and the late John. Special Nana of Andrew and Karen, Anna and Darryn, Mark, Luke, Sam, Matt, Georgia and Kane, and Jackson, and loved Great-Nana of Nathan, Daniel, Hannah, Annabelle and Jimmy. The family wish to thank the staff of Cashmere View Care Centre for their wonderful care and attention over the last 9 years. Messages for the Grant Family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. Rest peacefully, dear Mother Your journey now is through May angels walk beside you And Heaven welcome you. A family farewell celebrating Dorothy's life has been held.
Fay LEWTHWAITE
2026 · Canterbury
On September 15, 2026, at Christchurch Hospital, in her 93rd year, surrounded by her family. Loving wife of the late Bill, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Lynnette and the late Kevan O'Dell, Phillipa and Charmaine, Graeme and Ali, and Ian and Louise. Very proud Nana and Great-Nana of Anna, Gary and Emelina, Brittany, Mark and Joe, Brennan, Deina and Kenji, Stacey and Hayden, Ryan and Molly. Strong until the end Messages for the Lewthwaite Family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. At Fay's request, a private interment has been held.