Noeline Ritson

RITSON, Noeline, passed away peacefully at Malvina Major Retirement Village, 15th May 2025, aged 107 (WWII, WAAF, no.2475). Dearly loved wife of the late Keith Ritson, mother and mother-in-law of Alison and John, Gordon and Helen, Beverley and Wayne, cherished Nana of her 9 grandchildren and Noni to her 18 great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate Noeline’s long life, well-lived, will be held at Lychgate Funerals, 7 Johnsonville Road, at 11am Saturday 24th May. Messages for the family can be sent c/- Lychgate Funerals 306 Willis Street, Wellington, or by clicking “Leave a tribute” on this page.

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TRIBUTES

Margaret McLeod
Dear Beverley and Wayne and wider Ritson whanau
What a celebration of a long life well lived, you will be having. Noeline must surely be the last of our parents generation on the McLeod side of the family . I am in Spain and unable to be at the funeral. I know Vern and Gordon would have liked me to be there representing the McLeods. Perhaps Alastair Ford will be able to be with you.
All sympathies in the loss of a wonderful woman, mother grandmother and great grandmother
With love
Marg McLeod

John Goddard
Noeline was our neighbour at Firth Terrace, Karori. My parents, Tom and Jill greatly enjoyed her company. My mother often talked about Noeline’s wonderful approach to life and stressed what an amazing role model she was. My thoughts are with all of her family.

Glenys Gimblett
dear Alison,Gordon,Beverly and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother.Reaching the incredible age of 107 is a testament to a life filled with wisdom,strength,and cherished memories.While her physical presence is no longer with us,the love she shared and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
May you find comfort in the beauitful moments you shared and the knowledge that she touched so many lives with grace and kindness. My heart is with you as you navigate this time of grief,and hope you feel surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
Wishing you strength, peace and warmth in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy
Glenys Gimblett (Nee Ritson)

Jennifer M Keenan
What a special lady little lady I just want to reach out to her family and say that. I only met Noeline as a keen member of the Garden group at the Karori Arts and Crafts Centre now more than 15 years ago. She always had some interesting contributions to make and we all were inspired by her interest and commitments to our group. Since then have learned so much of more of her wonderful life and active participation in so many things. I also remember the generous donations made to the St Johns Opportunity Shop when when the family finally had to organize for Noeline to move to Malvina Major. Generosity, interest and inspiration were hallmarks of her life.

Paula van Wijmen and Tom Kneebone
Dear Beverly, Gordon and family,
Thank you for your telephone call letting us know that Noeline passed away on 15 May. We are very saddened by this news. We were just making plans to come for a visit.
Noeline was a very special lady to us. I really enjoyed working with her in Robin McKenzie’s physiotherapy clinic. She will be dearly missed by all of us who have known her.
Our deepest condolences and very best wishes to you all.

Wendy Allison (nee Tie)
Dear Alison, Beverley and Gordon, I am so sorry to hear that your dear mother has passed away, at the remarkable age of 107 years. She was such a good friend, and neighbour, of our mother, Pat Tie, for all those many years…since they had shared time together in the WAAFs, and actively participating in many other activities in and around Karori and Wellington, in the subsequent decades of their well lived lives. Noelene was an independent, strong role model, and also friendly and very chic lady. She had a twinkle, and sharp intelligence. Also she anchored your family so well for all the years she was widowed. You will miss her very much. With love, Wendy x

Max Tie
Sincere condolences the The Ritson family at the passing of your Mum. I concur with all that Wendy, my sister, said in her tribute. The friendship with my Mum and Noeline went back many years and Mum always spoke so warmly of her. I hope you all feel as lucky as our family to have had your Mum for so many years in your own lives. A quality lady, person and human being. Rest in Peace Noeline.

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