Joan WILLIAMSON-ORR Obituary

A grand lady and family will be missed by all .My thoughts are with you all Jenny Howe (Taupo cricket club ) Plenty of party memories

To Joan
In the aftermath of my own loss you spoke with wisdom and empathy of yours.
My deep appreciation
Kevin Snowdon

Diana and I had the greatest admiration for Joan for her long life of distinguished service to local government and also as a member of our church congregation at St Andrews. A remarkable lady with whom we had many a chat after church and about town. We offer our admiration and sympathy to John and other members of the family and regret that we were unable to get to the celebration memorial to her at the Great Lake centre.

John, sorry to hear of the Death of your Iconic Mother.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Maurice Hickford

Hi guys. So sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely Mum. She was a wonderful lady and a great friend to our Mum & Dad Pam & Ian Robinson. We have heard a lot of fun stories they used to get up to in their younger years. Thinking of you all. All our love Pam, Russell & Andi Robinson.

Extremely sad to hear of Joan's passing and condolences to the family.A Taupo legacy in all respects and her great contribution to the local communities will be missed.Such a great communicator.Joan's participation at our wedding in the Huka church never forgotten.

In 1960's we lived in TeAwamutu where, my husband, Leith Shand played Cricket with Stuart Willamson and Joan and other Cricket wives had babies! We enjoyed the friendship of Joan and Stuart, as did the rest of team. What a great couple they were and what a good Cricketeer, especially batsman, Stuart was. We remember them fondly and send condolences to the family. Elspeth Shand.

Dearest Joan,
We go back to the memories of the Lakeland Bowling Club. Also, the good times we had.
Condolences to your whanau and friends. God Bless.

My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family at this time. Hold tight to the precious memories you shared. Fond memories that dad (late Graham Reed July this year). Dad grew up with Stewart Williamson in Wellington (best mates). Our family lived in Taupo many years ago also. I rang Joan in July to tell her about Dad she was so lovely and said if I am ever in Taupo I am welcome to stay - what a beautiful person. Love and Blessings Carol (Graham Reed´s daughter).

Dear Fiona, Hollie and family - may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Jana was an amazing mother, grand mother and great grand mother - she lived for her family, friends and the community - loved by so many. It is now time for her to rest and be restored - Jana you will be sorely missed but never forgotten

It is with the deepest of regret that I note the passing of former mayor, Taupo icon, and personal friend for more than 50 years, Joan Williamson. As a former principal of Waipahihi Primary School (19 years) contract radio sports commentator for radio lakeland (32 years) and former sports journalist my wife Pauline and I had close connections with the very fine Williamson family! We were indeed very privileged! When Joan was the Head Teacher of the IHC School here in Taupo we arranged for Joan and her students to spend one day per month to mingle with our students at Waipahihi Primary School. This was a great step towards bringing children with different needs together as one.
Our connection through education then, was always positive and strong. Through my intense interest in sport we had wonderful connections with those delightful sons, especially at cricket, while Pauline's connection as a seamstress had her sewing Fiona's wedding gown at the time of that lovely daughter's wedding. There are so many other occasions when our connections were close and valued. Perhaps my retirement as a sports commentator and broadcaster will be ever remembered when Joan spoke with such sincerity at my final 'on air' broadcast and farewell. Talking of which, it is my turn to say farewell to a wonderful woman, a genuine Taupo icon whose legacy in this city will last forever. Farewell dear Joan. God be with you, until we meet up again one day.
Bevan A Choat JP (retired) and Pauline Choat.

Joan was one of the first people I met through U3A table tennis when I moved to Taupo in 2011. What a spirited, sensible, genuine and very modest person she was. She possessed a great sense of humour and a wonderful attitude to life and contributed a great deal to her community. A life very well lived. I will miss you, Joan.

A special tribute to a wonderful family member and a life of giving to the community. Well done Joan and farewell. May rest in peace.

Dearest Joan..you have earned your heavenly wings with so much love and respect..Our pleasure to have known you with happy, shared family times..Rest in peace lovely lady..kindest thoughts to your family..Sherrin and family.

When we lose someone we love, we must learn to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind....an amazing Lady RIP...Remembered fondly by Joe & Heather Mickelson

What a great lady , Joan officiated our wedding, at short notice In 2014, as a family favour, a wonderful woman who gave so much to Taupo and surrounding area, much love and respect to you Joan and whanau, tim and Noreen O´CAllaghan