Search by Name

Search by Name

Elizabeth BENNETT Obituary

BENNETT, Elizabeth Sutherland. Died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on 5 January 2026. Deeply loved wife of Vincent Saunders and cherished daughter of the late George and Helen Bennett. Sister and sister-in-law of Dave and Deb, Cameron and Phyl, Katrine and Andrew. Much admired and loved aunt and great-aunt. Senior University research fellow, aid worker, musician, celebrant, widely travelled and friend to many around the world. Elizabeth will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Monday 12 January 2026 at Purewa Crematorium, 100 St John's Road, Meadowbank. Aroha Funerals 0800 276 420
Published by The New Zealand Herald from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth BENNETT

Not sure what to say?





27 Entries

Sarah Handford

January 11, 2026

Dearest friend, Elizabeth, you will be deeply missed by me.

We shared great times. From when we first met working at University of Queensland, to a decade later when we crossed tracks again at Melbourne University, till when we both decided to 'up stumps' and finally return to our beautiful New Zealand.

I feel so many of us who have crossed tracks with you during your life, will always carry you with them. I thank you for your friendship, Elizabeth

I send my deepest condolences to your beloved husband, Vincent, for whom the loss is huge.
Likewise to your Katrine, Cam and Dave and brothers, and their families.

Pam Flaws (nee Mundy)

January 11, 2026

Our thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time.

Catherine (Bridget) Gunn and Roy Gunn

January 10, 2026

With you all in spirit. Much love.

John & Mary Richardson

January 10, 2026

We were extremely saddened to hear of Elizabeth´s sudden passing. We certainly enjoyed meeting and engaging with her and she clearly achieved so much in her life. She will always be fondly remembered in our family for making Ben and Rachel´s wedding day such a wonderful occasion. Our thoughts are with the wider Bennett family at this difficult time.
Regards
John & Mary Richardson

Katrina Macrae

January 10, 2026

To Elizabeth's husband, Vincent, and the Bennett Family

Our father, Alistair was Helen Bennett's cousin.

We are both shocked and saddened to learn of Elizabeth's sudden departure. Far too young.

I have only spoken to Elizabeth several times over the years at family gatherings but each conversation had an impact and highlighted just what a beautiful soul she was.

We have also valued her
role as celebrant at family funerals.

We are sorry we can't be present at the funeral, but please know that we are with you in spirit.

Sending you all much love,
Katrina and Stuart
Linda and Paul
Sally and Graeme and all of our families.

Fiona Kerr

January 10, 2026

Elizabeth, such a beautiful person inside and out, and a huge inspiration to me. She was much loved and admired by her extended family in Scotland and her bright light in this world will be greatly missed. Heartfelt condolences to Vincent and all the family.

Liz Hermse

January 9, 2026

Such a shock!! Elizabeth will be deeply missed.

Alastair Crombie

January 9, 2026

From all of your friends at Purewa Cemetery.
Dear Elizabeth, we are deeply saddened that you have passed on from this world and earthly life.
You will be missed very much by all those that knew you and worked alongside you as you conducted your Celebrancy role at Purewa. There is great love and respect for you from us all, we will hold you in our hearts with love joy and great appreciation for all that you were and did for others. Deepest Condolences to Vincent and your family

Narelle Warren

January 9, 2026

Elizabeth, you were always gentle, kind and gracious, and I greatly appreciated your calm and wise counsel over the years we worked together in Melbourne. I learned to sit with emotions when researching suffering and distress. The world will be poorer without your wonderful presence in it, and I hope you travel peacefully, wonderful woman. You´ll be sadly missed.

Danielle Bergin

January 8, 2026

What an incredible woman and friend you have been. We are all going to deeply miss you, Elizabeth. Thank you for always being a helpful friend and wise advisor. Heaven has gained another Angel ... you got your wings and harp to sing up there now. Thank you for over 45 years of genuine kindness and warm friendship. Xxx Bergin Family

Jill and Tamara Iti

January 8, 2026

A wonderful woman who shared her incredible knowledge and support when working alongside her. Always had time for thoughtful korero. RIP Elizabeth you were one of a kind.

Sibuns Funeral Directors

January 8, 2026

Heartfelt condolences to the family of Elizabeth. An incredible woman who touched so many lives with her words and kind heart. Elizabeth will be missed by so many, who through difficult times bought comfort and peace. Rest in peace and love Elizabeth, from your Sibuns Family.

All the girls at State of Grace

January 8, 2026

Our beautiful Elizabeth, the one we could count on whenever we had a family with unique needs. You were perfect for everyone, a celebrant at the top of our list. This has been an incredible shock. Everyone here at State of Grace Funerals are going to miss you so much. All our love to Vincent and the rest of your family.

Lenore Manderson

January 8, 2026

I supervised Elizabeth's PhD, and we worked together in Brisbane and Melbourne. She was an extraordinary ethnographer, writer and theorist, a brilliant musician and raconteur, deeply compassionate and engaging, wise and funny. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She lives an enduring absence in all our lives, and my thoughts, and those of my family, are now with Vincent and her family.

Stuart and Margo Finlayson

January 8, 2026

Our heartfelt condolences, you will be greatly missed.

Sandra (Cardosi) Maclean

January 7, 2026

We are so sad to learn of Elizabeth´s death and send our deepest sympathies and love from her family in Thurso. We have many lovely memories of Elizabeth staying with our Granny, her Auntie Clare. I kept in touch with Elizabeth on Messenger and often sent her clips of Thurso beach (where my Granny lived) and she loved to see these. Thinking of you all
Sandra xx

Bhensri Poy Naemiratch

January 7, 2026

I was Elizabeth first PhD student. I had learned so much from her. I always recall her intellectual, gentleness, love and kindness up until today. Rest In Peace, Elizabeth.

Laura

January 7, 2026

Elizabeth has been a deeply respected teacher and celebrant in New Zealand, and her contributions to the Celebrants Association of Aotearoa as a past president have been deeply valued. Celebrant work takes a lot of time and energy, and I personally wish to extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude to Elizabeth's family. I am so sorry that Elizabeth died suddenly and unexpectedly. I am so sorry for your loss. Additionally, thank you so much for sharing Elizabeth with us. She is loved.
Rest in Peace and Love dear Elizabeth. x

Trude J Bethell

January 7, 2026

Thank you wonderful Elizabeth for putting your happiness and heart into your life and therefor those around you. Find peace. Forever huge hugs

Vicky and Peter

January 7, 2026

A lovely lady who will be greatly missed by so many people who knew her. Condolences to all the family.

Sheryl Mungall

January 7, 2026

Elizabethwas one of life's most wonderful women. She always had time for a chat, and had something worthwhile to say. She had joined a group of celebrants who meet monthly,and although she often could not attend dies to her funeral work commitments, when she did come we enjoyed her contributions our conversation. Personally I had huge respect for her, and it takes a very special person to do the funeral work she did. She brought a lot of comfort to many families, and her loss to the celebrant community is enormous.
As a celebrant colleague, I'm deeply saddened and shocked, and thinking of her husband who must be in deep shock at this saddest of times.
Sheryl Mungall

Cathy Watson

January 7, 2026

Sending my love to Vincent Dave, Cam and Katrine and families. Elizabeth had a full and interesting life. I enjoyed bumping into her from time to time and catching up. Memories from our Coates Rd days are still strong. Cathy Watson ( nee Longden)

Kim

January 7, 2026

The world has lost a gentle, intelligent, skilled soul in your passing Elizabeth. May your memory be for a blessing. Aroha nui to those you loved

Chérie Moran

January 7, 2026

An amazing woman who has achieved so much in her life and leaves a huge legacy of love and service that reached far beyond our shores. Much love to Vincent and the family as they farewell their beautiful Wife, Sister and Aunt. Chérie and Trevor Moran

Emily Chang

January 7, 2026

So sad to lose you Elizabeth. Thank you for your wisdom, energy and enthusiasm.

Darnel Ngarimu

January 6, 2026

My heartfelt condolences to all Elizabeth's whanau. She holds a special place in my heart and will be sadly missed x

Kerry Sorensen-Tyrer

January 6, 2026

Rest in aroha and power Elizabeth. Thank you for your wisdom, kindness and calm aura - you were always a joy to be around and I learned a lot from you. Aroha nui to your whanau. Nga mihi Kerry S

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

Memorial Events
for Elizabeth BENNETT

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.