Rae Hesling

Hesling, Rae Naomi, 55, passed away in Mary Potter Hospice on 18 February 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Ivor Leighton, and is survived by her loving husband, Gregg Hesling, children Lilly, Holly and Jack Leighton-McPhee, mother Natalie Millar and siblings Jon and Diane Leighton. Born in Glasgow, Rae moved to Wellington in 2000. Rae was a beloved mother, member of her community, service leader and educator. She organised collections for Women’s Refuge and did volunteer work. Her funeral will be held at Makara Cemetery on Thursday, 20 February at 10am, followed by a private memorial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rae’s memory to Mary Potter Hospice. Messages for the family can be sent care of Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis St, Wellington.

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TRIBUTES

Edwards Family Ryan & Sam
Oh Rae, this is so sad. She was such a life force and always so amazingly positive. To Gregg, Lilly, Holly and Jack – thinking of you all. We’ll have a glass of something suitable and raise it to Rae.

Niki Yom Tov
Dear Gregg, Lily, Holly and Jack,
Sending love to you all at such a difficult time.
Rae was always such a lovely, positive lady and so brave in her fight these last years.

Rosalyn and Robin Zweig
Rae will be remembered with great fondness and love. She showed such strength fighting an illness that unfortunately beat her in the end. She was the kindest, sweetest lady taken far too soon. We were so lucky to have spent time with her in the last few years.

Ingrid Levin
Dear Rae – she was such a lovely person – will be sadly .missed by all the family xxx

Eileen Carroll
Dear family
Wishing you all strength and love to get through this difficult time.
Rae was a wonderful daughter to Natalie and often gave her musical advice on new songs that we at GRS have adopted at our Shabbat services
I’m sure your community in Wellington will also miss her dearly
From Glasgow to New Zealand much love and may Rae’s memory be a blessing

Family Yaakoby
Dear Rae, we will miss you, your beautiful singing, your big heart, your wonderful smile and your friendship. We will never forget how you taught Itamar how to lead a Service and prepared him with so much love and patience for his Bar Mizvah.
Much love, Ran, Debora, Yara and Itamar

Richard Kaye
Wishing all the family a very long life.
Rae was an inspiration to us all… a shining late.
She will be sadly missed by us all
May her dear soul rest in peace xxx

Gwenn Zeoli
Dearest Gregg, Holly, Lilly and Jack
Our hearts are broken for all of you 💔 Rae was such a fighter all these years, her loss immeasurable to you. We wish you all peace and comfort in this trying time. May her memory be a Blessing and may you find strength in each other. We are holding you all in our thoughts.
Gwenn Zeoli and Michelle Baney

Neesha and Zamir Shaik
We will remember Rae as the most sweetest, kindest person with full of positivity and warmth. Hoping you and the kids will find strength during this time Gregg. Keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts.

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