Elizabeth MOONEY Obituary

Liz and John were such a vital part of our lives after we first met them in Whangarei 1970. Liz was such a faithful, fun friend. One day she accepted our teenage son, Ron's invitation to take a ride on his motorbike. He was really surprised when she hopped on the back! They had so much fun.
When we shifted to Turangi Liz and John were such a blessing to our family in every way. They had a servant's heart and faithfully served the Lord, the church, and all of us in so many ways. They were Grandparents to our kids, and were greatly loved. Liz was always full of the joy of the Lord, had a such a positive attitude of praise and thanksgiving. One time at a fellowship evening in our home someone asked her to do an Irish jig, and she did, to our delight. Every Saturday morning she would bake a large variety of the most delicious cakes, tarts, pies, etc, then bring them over to the parsonage for us to share all week. Liz never complained in her latter years when she had falls, her body began to fail, and she suffered pain. She always praised the Lord for His great goodness and enabling. She was a godly woman, a faithful friend, a joyful blessing and role model. Now her joy is complete as she is with the Lord she loved and served so faithfully. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord". We love you, Liz (and John), thank you for blessing us. We miss you, and we will see you in the morning!!!

I first met Mrs. Mooney nearly 50 years ago, as a child of 5. She and her husband, John, were like grandparents to me, and as the years passed, that bond of love was always there. I will always remember Mrs. Mooney for the joy she demonstrated even amidst trials. You couldn't be in a room with her, without "catching" some of her joy. You also never heard her complain. And right up to our last visit together, she was still telling Irish jokes. :) We will miss out visits together, but we rejoice that she is now with her Saviour - the source of her joy! Bo (Cripe)and Charlie Frink

When our family moved to Turangi from Whangarei, we were welcomed with open arms by Liz & John. To me back then she was Mrs. Mooney. She took Joy & I under her care when Mum had to go into Waikato Hospital one time. There were many times since then, when she looked out for us. I even remember her being a "bit of a daredevil" on Ron's motorbike (her words - not mine!) She was a great encouragement in my walk with God.
I can still hear her voice singing her favourite hymn, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," where she is now. Ka kite ahau ki a koe i te morena, Grandma Mooney. Love to you all.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116 verse 15) We thank the Lord for the privilege and blessing that has been ours over the past 48 years of having Liz for a special friend. She was like a "big sister" to me when we first came to Turangi. She taught me so many things, especially in the area of cooking the Kiwi way. Or was it the Irish way? Among the many things she taught me was how to make Steamed Christmas Pudding. Liz and John were such a blessing in serving the Lord in music, teaching in Sunday school and where ever there was a need. Her sense of humour was a delight and at times kept you laughing. Our last visit a couple years ago was special as our granddaughter played a variety of songs for her, finishing with: "When Irish Eyes are Smiling". Liz's eyes lit up and a big smile came over her face. Now we can imagine her enjoying the wonders of Heaven with the Lord she loves. We miss her but would never wish her back to this earth. Our love and prayers go to the family. Ted & Kay Cripe

Mrs Mooney was a wonderful blessing to me (us) from the time I first stayed with her and John when our family arrived in Turangi in 1968 until our last visit with her a little over a year ago. She patiently taught a 10 or 11-year-old to knit, a skill which I'm still using today. She blessed her church family with her singing to the glory of God, and sang 'Safe In the Arms of Jesus' at our baby boy's funeral in 1986. Whenever you were with Liz, there was always joy and laughter, and rejoicing in the Lord. A much loved substitute grandmother and friend, she will be missed. Now she is safe in Jesus' presence, her Lord whom she loves. Bev (Cripe) and Jack McMahan