Barbara Joan Hendry

I'm sorry to hear of Barbara's passing but glad to have known her. A much valued teacher and beautiful accompanist. Barbara was always kind and helpful and was one of the teachers who made me welcome in Dunedin. Kindest thoughts to the family. Carolyn Leese

I was saddened to read this week of Barbara's passing. I have fond memories of the ladies prayer group at Musselburgh, which Barbara led for years, and of the lovely BBQ lunches that she & Graham hosted for the church each year during the Christmas holidays. I remember her singing once at a church Ceilidh. It was wonderful to watch her come alive as she sung a very funny piece about a lovelorn patient who wanted her doctor to notice her. It was the only time I ever saw her perform, but I was very aware that I was watching something quite remarkable, from a very talented lady. Rest well, Barbara, once again united with Graham & Myles.

Barbara was a wonderful teacher, musician and person, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of her pupils. I have so many fond memories of my singing lessons with Barbara. She was extraordinarily talented and meticulous, a true perfectionist who always encouraged you to strive for your very best and to realise the potential she could see in you. Her attention to detail and dedication to her craft made her a wonderful teacher, but it was her kindness and generosity that made her so much more than that. She went above and beyond for us in so many ways, even collecting my brother and me from school so we could go straight to her home for our lessons. I remember Graham supervising the completion of our homework while lessons were underway, and occasionally being called through to listen in. They are such warm and special memories to look back on now. One of the things I remember most fondly was having Barbara accompany me at singing competitions. There was something so reassuring about looking across and knowing that she was there with me. It helped settle the nerves and made those performances feel like something we were doing together. Her accompaniment was such a special extension of her tutelage and of the care she invested in her students. Barbara was immensely kind, talented, generous and dedicated, and I will always be grateful for everything she taught me, both through her music and through the person she was. May you rest in eternal peace and love, Barbara. It was a privilege to have known you and to have been taught by you. ❤️

Dear Gavin and Nimi, we both send our sincere sympathy and love to you and your family. As a neighbour, friend and colleague Barbara was always true and genuine. Over the years we have lost touch but remember the good times when we were involved in musical activities together. Gavin, you have had to bear the sad losses of family in the past years but we hope memories of happy times are there for you to provide comfort and love. All our love Leigh and Aart.

Dear Gavin, Nimi and family, Thinking of you all with the loss of Barbara. I worked with Barbara for many years at Trust Bank and we job shared for many years. A lovely lady always looking very well styled, loved her music , teaching students and off course her family and church. I have very fond memories of her.

Dear Gavin and Nimi, I was very sorry to read of Barbara's recent death . It brought back many early memories of Sunshine church as we knew it then. Barbara contributed her musical gifts for many years with her lovely contralto voice and her skilled accompanying of congregational singing, choir and soloists. She mastered the new Hammond organ which was welcomed to lead our worship. Just this week I came across a cassette and reel tape of the Sunshine choir singing a Christmas cantata conducted by my father accompanied by Barbara. I feel sad that I cannot attend the celebration of her life this Thursday as those years at Sunshine and Barbara's input have given me a strong life foundation of faith and music. I now live in Clyde and I conduct a women's choir which is singing at the Ranui Home on Thursday making it impossible for me to attend. Please accept my sincere sympathy and love , While Barbara will be sorely missed, her musical legacy will live on in all her many singing pupils , the church and music community. Carole Chetwin

There are some people, not in your immediate family, who touch your lives or the lives of those around you in ways that alter the trajectory of life. Barbara was just such a person for our family, especially for Ben whose gifts were polished so carefully and joyfully by Barbara. Her attention to detail, her care for her students and her genuine love of music has reflected not only in Ben’s care for his own students but in the work Andrea and I have been able to do bringing the best out of those we have supported in musical theatre. Barbara will be missed but her legacy reaches far beyond her physical presence and into the musical lives of countless people through her students and their students. God has a place for her in heaven.

Growing up, Thursdays were always a highlight for me because I got to have my weekly singing lesson with Barbara. Her beautiful home and fashionable style always had me fascinated! Barbara really did feel like a bonus grandma in my life, always ready to give advice and tell me interesting stories about her singing adventures and her family, who she loved so much. I feel so blessed to have been taught by her, but mostly to have had the pleasure of knowing her. You are home now, with the most beautiful heavenly music all around you and I bet you’re singing along. Rest in peace Barbara. You will be so missed.

Barbara was a foundation member of Dunedin's singing teachers. We all have fond memories of her involvement as a very popular and successful teacher and accompanist. So many of Barbara's pupils have gone on to succeed as singers. We valued her imput on committees and at vocal competitions. Her music lives on in those she taught. Sincere condolences from Otago Branch of NEWZATS.

Dear Gavin, Nimi and family. Please accept our sincere sympathy. I have many fond memories of Barbara, not the least her wonderful voice. Our BMF group always appreciated Barbara and Graham hosting us for many years, at Aotea St, Musselburgh Rise and Yvette Williams. Regards Sue McLintock