Lady Joan Gillies

Gillies, Joan Mary (Lady), (nee Kennedy) Passed away at Rita Angus Retirement Village, Wellington,  peacefully, on 16 April 2025. Dearly loved wife of Sir Alexander (Alex) Kt. Bach. (deceased), daughter of the late Francis Joseph (Frank) and Mary Angela (Angela) Kennedy,  sister and sister in law of John and Angela Rosser, (both deceased), aunt of Paul, Michael, Stephen, and Christine, and their wives and partners , great aunt to her grandnieces and grandnephews and great great aunt to their children. Greatly respected friend of many and of numerous local and national organisations over many decades. Requiem Mass to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at Saint Mary of the Angels Church, 17 Boulcott Street, Wellington  on Monday 5^th May 2025 at 10.00am. Followed by a private burial at Makara Cemetery to be with her parents. Live stream available below funerals. Messages for the family can be sent care of Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis St, Wellington 6011.

TRIBUTES

Tish and Jim Munton
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Joan. She was a lovely person and was so thoughtful, generous and hospitable to us
when we visited with her in New Zealand during March of 2005. We will always have fond memories of those times, and what a wonderful sense of humor she had! We also appreciated her special greeting cards at Christmas.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and may you find peace and comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories you cherish.
In sympathy and friendship,
Tish and Jim Munton

Rebecca Ryan
Joan was a longstanding friend of my brother (David) and sister in law (Celina) and their daughters. A very kind lady, generous, benevolent and great company. She was a joy to be around, she brought people together and as a family we were lucky to have known her. She lived a great age, managed wonderful trips and will be remembered very fondly.

Sorry for your loss.
Rebecca Ryan, London

Bevan Killick
Lady Gillies was a great friend of my great uncle and great aunt Hon Peter & Margot Gresham.  Peter and Margot have both passed in the last three years.  They were all parishioners of the Wellington Cathedral Parish and also supporters of St Mary of the Angels.

Peter & Margot were members of the Order of Malta, which I also joined.  Lady Gillies was also approached for membership of the Order and would have been very suitable.  She sensibly realised that she was not at a stage in life to begin new memberships, but was always a great friend to the Order.  We also had many discussions as I Chaired the St John of God Hauora Trust.  I believe her father had donated the St Joan of Arc window in the Chapel at Aidenfield, Halswell.  The chapel was badly damaged in the Canterbury Earthquake, but the window has been saved.  I had many discussions with Lady Gillies regarding the status of the chapel and the window.  She was also so energetic and thoughtful.  I always thoroughly enjoyed our chats.  We would also exchange Christmas cards.

I thought you may appreciate a note so that you know that Lady Gillies is fondly remembered down here in Christchurch.  I hope this brings you some comfort during this time was you mark her passing to eternal life with Our Lord and celebrate a life well lived.

In sympathy,
Bevan Killick, Former Chair, St John of God Hauora Trust NZ Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

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