Obituary Mrs V. E. Fairweather

Press, 23 March 1985, Page 7

Obituary Mrs V. E. Fairweather

Mrs Violet Edith Fairweather, who was actively involved in women’s organisations in Canterbury for many years, died in Christchurch on Wednesday. She was 89.

Mrs Fairweather, nee Seymour, was born in the Chatham Islands, but moved to New Zealand with her family early this century. After leaving Christchurch Girls’ High School she trained as a nurse and was a ward sister at Christchurch Hospital and theatre sister at the old Limes Hospital before marrying Mr Gordon Fairweather in 1931.

Mrs Fairweather convened the first meeting of the Avonhead branch of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers in 1941, and was its president from

1945 to 1946. She continued her involvement in the Women’s Division as president of the former North Canterbury provincial branch in 1946 and 1947, and was a member of the Dominion executive in the 19505.

In the late 1950 s Mrs Fairweather was a member of the management committee of the Stratheona train-

ing home for girls. Mrs Fairweather was a foundation member of the Pan Pacific and South-East Asia Women’s Association and was its national president from 1976 to 1979. She represented Pan Pacific as

a delegate to the National Council of Women and was chairman of the local council for some years. She was a national life member of Pan Pacific and

a life member of the Christchurch branch of the N.C.W. Mrs Fairweather held a study group at her home, Hawthornden, for Pan Pacific for many years and helped overseas students when they arrived in Christchurch.

About two years ago she was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for community work.

She was closely involved with the Anglican Church through St Peter’s, Riccarton, St Christopher’s, Avonhead, and latterly St Barnabas’, Fendalton. Mrs Fairweather is survived by a son.