OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS F. J. PRETSCH

Mrs Kathleen Mary Pretsch, who died at her home in Creyke road, Fendalton, on Sunday, had a distinguished nursing career in New Australia, and Britain. Born in Wellington, Mrs Pretsch trained at the Auckland Public .Hospital, after which she nursed in Australia and England. She married while in England in 1922, returning to New Zealand soon after.

Mrs Pretsch was an active supporter of many Christchurch organisations until the time of her death, and it was at a meeting of the Council of Organisations for Relief Services Overseas last week that she became ill: For this body Mrs Pretsch organised in the past two exhibitions of art, one to assist India and the other for Greece, and she was a prime mover in the adoption of two Greek villages. She was a member of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society, and was a tireless worker for the North Canterbury Centre of the Red Cross Society.

Mrs Pretsch was honorary organiser of the North Canterbury Centre of the Junior Red Cross, and was president of the Students’ Sub-centre of the North Canterbury Centre, which sent many parcels of food and other goods to Britain during recent years. She was a member of the Christchurch branch of the United Nations Association, a vice-president of the women’s council of the Y.M.C.A., and a member of the Pioneers’ and Descendants’ Club. A debater of considerable ability, Mrs Pretsch won several prizes in debating. Her hobbies were gardening and making pottery. Mrs Pretsch is survived by her husband, Mr Frederick James Pretsch, and a daughter, Miss Mary Pretsch.