Leonie LAWSON Obituary

Leonie, I have only just found out about your passing. What a marvellous woman you were. Dedicated and selfless, always giving to others throughout your life. Thank you for all that you did for Auckland Girls Choir. My daughter enjoyed many happy years in the choir. What a wonderful legacy you have left for your family. They were so lucky to have you.

Thank you for the gift of music Mrs Lawson. One of my favourite teachers at Dio

Leonie brought musical values to Auckland Boys and Auckland Girls Choir, and they our children benefitted accordingly. Her influence will be felt across the community for many years to come. I don't know how she covered so many bases for so many years, but her achievements are everywhere to be seen.

Leonie will be remembered for her commitment and dedication. She was a stalwart of the Royal Commonwealth Society (Auckland branch) and contributed to the wider work of our organisation outside Auckland. She was also an ardent royalist. RIP

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.. (Friend of Desley and Peter)

Lovely memories of the Dio choir. An outstanding contribution to the choral world and a blessing for those of us who love to sing.. There must surely be a choir amongst the angels for whom she will be a godsend.

Mrs Lawson, you provided me with so many happy times and wonderful memories from my 7 years of choir, orchestra and classes at Dio. Thank you! I feel so blessed to have had you in my life and treasure the fun times had together. I particularly remember the very first Choir/Orchestra overseas tour we did after 2 years of fundraising and the show where I had the role of being your "page turner". You had the ability to make us feel special and drove us to be the best we could be. To this day I smile when I sing Christmas Carols and hear you asking us to get the diction and breathing right. Rest in peace. xxx

Dear Desley
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. What an amazing woman who made such a valued contribution to music education in New Zealand. I am sorry that I can't attend the funeral, but I am thinking of you all.
Arohanui
Robyn

With sadness we say Goodbye to Leonie - always enthusiastic and supportive of singers. She showed us how music can touch our hearts. We loved our annual shared performances with the Auckland Girls' Choir.
Sue and Bruce Murray and The City of Auckland Singers.

An inspiration to all and a funny caring lady, who had a wicked sense of humour. I remember happy times when I sang with the Diocesan Choral. Thoughts go to all the family at this sad time.
Irene Wilson

Will really miss our yearly get togethers at a favourite restaurant. Loved your amazing music talent and you never did do a special recording for rememberance time. Rest in peace darling one. A wonderful very special lady.

A wonderfully talented musician in her own right with the ability to bring out music in all she met. Her standards were high and uncompromising so we rose to meet them. I cherish the years I was her accompanist at Diocesan and with the Auckland Girls Choir. Farewell Leonie - you were one of a kind. Glenys Griffiths. (Robertson @Diocesan)

Working alongside you in the Auckland Girls´ Choir was an honour and privilege. You brought out the best in the young ladies and were much loved and respected for all your hard work. So pleased I got to see your beautiful smile for one last time on Saturday. Rest in peace Leonie and I´m sure the choir of angels will benefit from your expertise x

My deepest sympathy
Adriana Gunder

A cherished music teacher, honorary Old Girl of the Auckland Diocesan Alumnae Association and recipient of the 2023 Diocesan Alumnae Merita Award. Leonie dedicated her life to the art of choral music, touching the lives of countless students with her steadfast commitment and loving spirit.

Leonie's legacy as an educator and mentor will forever resonate within the halls of Diocesan School for Girls and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ut Serviamus

Leonie gave me and many choristers inspiration with her leadership in many Royal School of Church Music activities, such as the annual Junior Choristers Course, and the Auckland Boys Choir. May she rest in peace, and join the choirs in heaven.

Many happy hours spent singing with the Diocesan Community Choir, where all who wanted to sing were welcome. Leonie was there every Monday night urging is breath, stand up straight, learn our music. A wonderful woman.

So much talent. Pianist, conductor, mentor. Total music enthusiast. Sadly missed in the Auckland music scene.

To my dear old music teacher of over 30 years ago. Thank you for fostering in me (and so many others) a love of music. May you rest in peace!

Mrs Lawson (Leonie), you gave and fostered in so many the gift of music. Heaven will be a much more melodic place with your presence. May you rest in peace!

LAWSON, Leonie Elisabeth. A cherished music teacher, honorary Old Girl of the Auckland Diocesan Alumnae Association and recipient of the 2023 Diocesan Alumnae Merita Award. Leonie dedicated her life to the art of choral music, touching the lives of countless students with her steadfast commitment and loving spirit. Leonie's legacy as an educator and mentor will forever resonate within the halls of Diocesan School for Girls and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ut Serviamus Diocesan School for Girls Auckland Diocesan Alumnae Association