Mrs Maisie McNair

Press, 11 January 1986, Page 7

Mrs Maisie McNair

Mrs Maisie McNair, a 1979 Queen’s Service Medalist for community service and a former member of the 3YA Orchestra, has died in Christchurch. She was 84.

By the late 1970 s Mrs McNair’s radio name, “Aunt Maisie,” had become a household word. She played piano at non-profit-making shows most of her life.

She is well remembered for her piano recitals on Radio New Zealand’s National Programme, and as official accompanist on 3ZB for many years. For 15 years she was a social worker with the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and she is remembered for the help she extended to many people. In Australia, when only 18 months old, she became an orphan, and was raised by a

great aunt who loved music. Mrs McNair learned to play the piano, violin and viola. She later entertained Australian soldiers leaving to

fight in the First World War. She studied music in Australia and the United States and won first prize in an important Beethoven competition in Sydney. She moved to New Zealand shortly before the Depression, settling in Dunedin.

Later she moved to Christchurch, where she started a needlework and wool shop in New Brighton. She played music part-time for radio and several other organisations.

She was married to William McNair, a leader of community sing-alongs. Among her many recitals were two before the Queen and one before the Queen Mother. Her greatest music love was for the classics.

Mrs McNair taught music to many pupils. She is survived by five granddaughters.