Hilary Janet Serena Stace

Dr. Stace, Hilary Janet Serena

19.2.1954 – 3.7.2025. Hilary died following a tragic accident. Daughter of Jeanette and Nigel, both deceased. Mother of Serena and Oscar. Partner of Martin Sullivan. Sister of Julia, Michael and Jane, Rachel and Richard, Victoria and Tore, aunt of Echo and Damon, Marigold and Tahu, Rupert, Ted and Daniel, Emily and Flynn,  Maddy and Li, and Anna, great aunt of Eloise, Charlie and Jack. Loved friend to many. Admired and respected.

Please see the Humanitix website link for our gathering for ‘A Tribute to Dr. Hilary Janet Serena Stace’.

https://events.humanitix.com/hilarystace

TRIBUTES

Pam Churchman

So sorry to hear that Hilary has died so young.

Bice Awan

It was with great sadness that I learned of Hillary’s passing. I know her daughter Serena and want to express my deepest thoughts and condolences to her and the whole family at this traumatic time.

Elspeth Preddey

I am dismayed at the passing of my good friend Hilary. She was utterly staunch in advocating for the care , education and employment of all people with special needs; her intelligence and scholarship she used to hold each government to account. She helped to formulate policies in the non government sectors too. As a resident of Wadestown, for decades Hilary and I met in committees, and for political campaigning. Latterly, at local cafes. My deep condolences to Serena and Oscar, and all her many friends and relatives.

Ngaire Flynn

So sad to know if Hilary’s unexpected passing. She was a special person, who gave so much to all those she met. I value the memory of our conversations, years ago at VUW. Rest in Peace Hilary.

Stephen Winter

Hilary’s passing is a terrible thing. We met recently and worked together on issues surrounding the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. Hilary was a passionate advocate, learned in Aotearoa’s history, and a good colleague. She will be sorely missed.

Zandra Vaccarino

Dear Martin, Serena, Oscar, family and friends
I was so saddened to hear of Hilary’s passing. The memorial was a moving tribute to her remarkable life and the impact she had on so many. She was an extraordinary colleague, whose dedication to social justice, equitable education for all children, and the rights of disabled people in Aotearoa was truly inspiring. I feel privileged to have shared advocacy spaces with her over the years. I will remember Hilary for her fierce advocacy, deep wisdom, generosity, and her remarkable ability to bring people together to create lasting change.
Her warmth and passion touched so many lives, and her legacy will continue in the positive change she championed.
With heartfelt sympathy
Zandra Vaccarino and the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association community.

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