Funeral Notices

Recent notices, along with funeral information for family and friends

Date of passing: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Service date and time: 11:00 AM Saturday, 15 August, 2026
Service venue:

Dempsey and Forrest - 208 Guyton Street Whanganui


Link to livestream/video:

https://www.videosystems.co.nz/dfnz 


Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday morning, just shy of her 88th birthday, after a very long & brave battle with illness.
Precious wife and best mate of Richmond (Ditch) for almost 67 years.
Adored & loved mum of David, Susan & Tony, Bruce, Debra & Chris.
Treasured Grandma/Bam to Georgia & Sam, Connor & Jordin, Casey & Conor, Zaria, Antonia & Toby & Jessica.
Bam Bam to Ollie, Tommy & Georgia & Sam’s 2 day old baby boy.
Thanks to Jess & the kind staff at Jane Winstone for their special care over the last year & to Bryce for befriending & looking out for Hev.
We appreciate Dr Willem’s kind & caring support over the years, he always made her smile - she thought the world of him.
Friends are invited to attend a Service to celebrate Heather’s life in the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton Street, Whanganui, on Saturday 15th August 2026 at 11.00am.
Heather’s Service can be viewed online at www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz Watch Services Online.

Dempsey & Forrest
Locally Owned

T & L GIFFORD-MOORE on 13-08-2026 02:52 AM
To Ditch and family, Terry and Leonie Gifford-Moore send our heartfelt condolences with the passing of Heather. We are currently overseas but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sjncerely
Terry and Leonie Gifford-Moore
Helen Bellringer on 13-08-2026 11:27 AM
So sorry to hear of your great loss, she was a part of our customer family for a long time. Our thoughts are with you all...
The Girls at The Sewing Centre...
Bryce Whibley on 13-08-2026 04:41 PM
To All Of Heathers Family
As I am unable to attend the funeral service, I will be watching it live, thanks to Aroha lending me her lap top. I wish you all the best for the day, I know it will be a sad but happy day for you all.
By the way the birds are looking thin haha.... don't worry we will keep feeding them for Hev Aroha said xoxox
Joanne Kelly on 13-08-2026 05:55 PM
So sorry to hear the sad news of Heather’s passing. Heather became a favourite client of mine. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Aroha on 13-08-2026 05:57 PM
to the family of our Dearest Heather
lots of love from us all, it was a pleasure to care and get to know her.
I enjoyed her sense of humour and love for animals, we enjoyed lots of giggles and some jokes and talking about her beloved birds that visited her daily. Your beautiful family have also become our family and we will miss you all . sending love and hugs to you all forever and always rest in love Heather
xxxxx love Aroha
Raewyn Bishop on 14-08-2026 05:03 PM
Sorry I cannot attend the funeral but I will be thinking of you all. Heather was a pleasure to care for.
Take care.
Raewyn
Katie smith on 15-08-2026 10:31 AM
Sending you and your family lots of love and strength during this time, especially to Richmond.
It was a pleasure to care for Heather.
With love
Katie smith ❤️
John Donaghy on 15-08-2026 05:42 PM
Sorry to hear of Heather's passing. I helped to build your house in Great North road in 1973 with Murray White, Owen Duncan and John Clapington. Thinking of you at this time. John Donaghy
Terry & Esme Minnell on 17-08-2026 10:47 AM
To Ditch and family
Our deepest sympathy to you and family on Heathers passing. She will be sadly missed by all.
Our thoughts are will you.
Terry & Esme xx
Sandra on 18-08-2026 09:46 PM
To Susan and family, so very sad to hear of your mums passing. Thinking of you and sending big hugs. Your friend from primary school . P.S Love to make contact. Sandra
Rod Newport on 19-08-2026 07:04 AM
Sorry to hear about the passing of a lovely lady. I watched the service on line and you all did well. Kind regards Ditch & Family.
Kind regards
Sharon & Rod Newport
Bruce and Wray McMillan on 19-08-2026 08:46 PM
Dear Ditch and family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Heather. We have the fondest memories of your's and Heather's time here in Taumarunui, and the many stories played out by you and Dad.
We know how special you were to Mum and Dad, and our thoughts are with you all.
Love from the McMillan family - Geoff, Heather, Marie (deceased), Andrée, Jacky, Rowan and families.
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Dempsey & Forrest have been helping people at their time of bereavement for over 90 years.
208 Guyton Street,
Whanganui 4500
(06) 349 0202
(Available 24/7)

Office Hours

Mon-Fri : 8.30am–5.00pm
Available 24 hours by phone

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Our commitment

is to ensure we provide high quality professional and personalised service to meet all your individual needs.