TRIBUTE TO MRS DAVID CROZIER

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27683, 13 June 1955, Page 2

TRIBUTE TO MRS DAVID CROZIER

NEWS FOR WOMEN

MEMORIAL SERVICE IN ST. ANDREW’S CHAPEL Second only in importance to her family and home was her garden, said Mr L. W. Stewart, rector of St. Andrew’s College, speaking of the late Mrs Ellen Crozier, of Fendalton, at a memorial service in the chapel of the college yesterday afternoon. Mrs Crozier, who was the widow of Mr David Crozier, died at sea on May 12 while on her way to England, Of her knowledge and enthusiasm as a gardener, floral decorator, lecturer and demonstrator others were more competent to speak than he, said Mr Stewart, but there could be few in Canterbury or beyond the bounds of the province who did not have some acquaintance with her great service in this field. Mr Stewart recalled that Mrs Crozier had been founder and patron of the Fendalton Garden Club, a co-patron of the Lily Society, a life member of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, a member of the Christchurch Beautifying Association, a member of the Rose, Chrysanthemum and Carnation Societies, the Dahlia circle, and a fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

A unique record surely, he said, and a far more eloquent tribute than words. A living memorial to her was an extensive planting of native trees on a reserve on Evans Pass carried out at her own expense.

The will of God, said Mr Stewart, was to do justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. As his listeners recalled their own personal memories of Mrs Crozier they would find how well she measured up to these standards. Mr Stewart said he had first met Mrs Crozier 35 years ago. Her friendship was of a sort that needed no artificial props. She spoke no slander nor listened to it. Her cheerfulness was infectious, and when life had dealt hardships on her she had a basic qourage that enabled her to smile through her troubles. Any appreciation of her generosity and kindliness caused her embarrassment and for that reason she gave anonymously. She had loved her family and home and she had gone further than that in perpetuating the interests of her husband Thus she had been patron and a gen erous benefactor of the Waimakanri Sailing and Power Boat Club, of which her husband had been commodore for 17 years. •The service, which was conducted by the Rev. Malcolm W. Wilson, was attended by members of the many societies with which Mrs Crozier had been associated. The lesson was read by Mr P. C. Browne, secretary of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, and a solo was sung by Mr Thomas West.