Antonia YEOMANS Obituary

For Antonia's Family and Friends:
At Pauanui, outside the church, there is a memorial wall dedicated to those who have lived in and cherished the lifestyle of the town. Antonia's plaque is placed on the outer wall facing the car park. Nearby, a park bench offers a place to sit and reflect. Sometimes I bring lunch and spend a quiet moment there, having a little chat. If you´re visiting, you might like to do the same.

For Antonia, With Love

On a May morning, the world gained a spark-
Antonia Helen Yeomans, a soul that left its mark.
Born to sing, to dance, to fiercely debate,
A whirlwind of passion, impossible to replicate.

She´d enter a room-a storm, a sunbeam, a song-
With laughter and colour, where all hearts belonged.
Her words, never timid, would tumble and spin,
You´d brace for the ride, let the adventure begin.

A guitar in her hands, her voice in the air,
She painted with colours, with ink, with flair.
A tattoo artist, a fashion queen,
Every day, every moment, a living dream.

If Toni was near, your ears had to wake-
Her enthusiasm contagious, her spirit hard to fake.
She´d teach you to listen, to feel, to believe,
To dance with abandon, to never deceive.

Life´s trials she weathered, more than her share,
Still, she loved and defended, with passionate care.
Not always seeking advice, sometimes led astray,
But always, always, she found her own way.

So today( 23rd May 2025), as we gather, let the tears freely flow,
For the memories we cherish, for the love we still know.
Celebrate her laughter, her courage, her art,
Keep Antonia alive-in soul and in heart.

Sing her a song, strike a pose, take a stand,
Tell a wild story, as only Toni can.
Share her with others, let her spirit ignite-
For though she is absent, her love is our light.

Happy birthday, dear Toni, you´re forever our guide-
In the colours we wear, in the songs we confide.
We hold you close, in memory and in cheer,
Our Antonia-always vibrant, always near.

With love to all who remember her.

Miss you so damn much, love you babes

Jess xx

Toni/Wuzza
To my darling daughter on this particular day (17th December 2023) that has seen you have gone from all of our lives, I bid you a heavenly hello.
It seems a little strange that I write this in recognition of your being when all I have of you are the memories, photographs, and a tiny glass container with your ashes.
There is a little shrine in my living room that is a collection of memorable items. A special photograph of you with your sister, Danielle. A lock of hair, a ribbon, a toy, a charm ornament. Simple things.
Collectively they invoke such wonderful memories of your time with us all.
The tokens of your presence invoke casual conversations and chatting is a mindful way of knowing that you are nearby, and in my soul. Perhaps sitting on my shoulder. Whispering? WHAT AM I SAYING YOU NEVER WHISPERED, IT WAS ALWAYS "FULL BLAST".
I am sure that your daughters, in their own way, do the same.
My morning greeting is to touch the painting you created for me "Forever Flying Free". The irony is you got to fly free before me.
It is so, you have gone from our immediate presence, but never that far away that in the mind of all of us, there is a wonder of what you´re up to - next!
My God says "hello" and so do I.
Dad

Me and Rain still miss you, I don't think we'll ever get over the fact that you're gone. I hope you're doing well and that you're not in pain or hurting anymore.

Dearest Daughter today you are 41 birthday years in memory. In your heavenly travels it is my wish you catch up with our family members and a spiritually " Happy Memory Day" is worshiped - with you all.
Love Ya
Dad

Toni was my Aunty, I hadn't seen her in years and I didn't even get to see her before she died, this tore my heart to shreds. I will miss you Aunty Toni, I will always love you
-Sarah

Some of the best and worst times of our lives were spent together, always a go-to-it attitude, and one of the most good-humored people I had the pleasure of knowing. I am sorry to farewell another 'sister' (the kids still refer to Toni as 'Aunty Toni'),and I am so stoked I managed to catch up with Toni couple years ago and keep intermittent phone/email contact, even if it was only briefly, I am thankful for these small treasures and happy moments...Much love to all her family, thinking of you at this time xxoo

There is an irony to the posting of the photograph of "For Ever Flying Free". Upon my return to New Zealand I described how I had "lost" my friends in Australia and around the world, the feeling was remorseful. Toni took it upon herself to create the art work. The irony is that she wrote for me what was to be put on my headstone, but wears the tribute for eternity of herself.

I will alway miss Antonia's zaniness and enthusiasm for all subjects! Toni had one speed and that flat out. I will miss you Toni- Dad

I will miss Antonia's zaniness and her enthusiasm on any fun subject. Antonia had one speed and that was always flat out! I will miss you -Dad