Jennifer KOPPENS Obituary

Nanna Pat, so sorry to hear about Jenny. She was a wonderful kind lady, and a great step-sister for Mum. I will remember her fondly. We hope to make it up to see you sometime soon. Lots of love, Richard, Claire and Mason

Jenny was my daughters teacher in 2007 at Otumoetai Primary. I remember her as a lovely, elegant lady. R.I.P.

T.Edkins

Thoughts and kind wishes to you Pat.Love from Geoff and Gwynneth Williamson

Nana Pat,

Thoughts are with you through this tough time. I know you will be ok but please know jenny will be loved and missed for years to come. I still remember her showing me the farm and letting me pat the goats! Kate an I have a baby girl Isla who can't wait to meet you. Lots of love and give mum a hug for me when you see her!

love Michael, Kate and Isla

To all those who started with Jenny at 5 years old - their memories are immense - ask my 30 year old daughter Laura. My memory is of her dancing on the edge of the Rukuhia school pool to some very loud music whilst the kids were in the pool - ha she was very trendy. I have a video recording of this. Rest in peace Jenny knowing you have made an impact on a lot of childrens' lives.

Jenny, you were a dear friend for many years. Remembering you with love always. Marie

Dear Pat,
It is with sadness that I read of Jenny's passing. I was team teaching at Knighton Normal School in the 80's when the teacher I was teaching with left for England as her husband had a transfer to there. I was devastated as she was great – The Ministry of Education sent a replacement – I lasted one day and went to the Principal and said I would have to resign as I just knew I could not work with that person – “Sit down' he said as he rang the ministry office. After a sleepless night of worry and anticipation off I went to school – and there parked in the drive was a red convertible. Yes they had sent me Jenny – What a delight, a wonderful teacher who wouldn't let me accept the children drawing purple cows or blue trees. We had a wonderful time together, teaching a very large group of Y1/2 students and at times could have over a hundred people in the room as Pre Service Teachers came to observe lessons. Two highlights stand vividly in my mind. Jenny had the students changing a number of flat tyres on her car, then back to the classroom they would go (or anywhere else where there was a seat to lean their books on) and they would write enthusiastically about the experience. Another was when her Mum gave her a goat (mohair) so she could weave her own pashmina rather than receive the end gift – a great learning curve for our students at the time. So as you see I hold such special memories of our time together. Whether it be celebrating when her divorce came through or pondering over why a child wasn't making the progress we would like.
I spoke with Jenny on the phone about three weeks ago – and realised how sick she was. Just too sick to come visiting across the road where I now live. Jenny will be kept in my heart, her energy for farming through to her love and expertise in art – she was and will remain a very special person.
I intended to go to the funeral but with the weather forecast I may not make it, so do accept my condolences. I know that it is so hard to bury your child.
My thoughts are with you,
Ruth Pepper (Langley).