- Peacefully at St Andrews Home and Hospital on September 30, 2025; aged 88 years. Beloved wife of the late Allan; loved mother and mother-in-law of Rachel and Alan, Alastair and Julie; much loved "Grandma Ce" of Sam, Max, Benji, and Toby; sister of Derek and Chris Benfield.
- A Service of thanksgiving for Cecilia's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, at 2pm on Friday, October 3, followed by private cremation. Messages to 14 Argyle Street, Dunedin, 9011
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I've known Celia and family for almost four decades, first as neighbours but very quickly as firm family friends of my mother and I. Ce was at the centre of Paulin family life, the engine. She was heavily involved with John Mc Glashan College life, where late husband Allan was principal, providing support for the boarders and relief teaching. Ce was my occasional teacher at the college (sorry Mrs. Paulin!) Always weird as a teenager to be having dinner with one of your teachers and your principal, but never treated so by Ce and Allan. I remember her kindness and interest in others, and her devotion to family - Allan, Rachel, Alastair, their partners and grandchildren. She always was interested in what I was up to, and later on my children. I once said to her something along the lines of "she did so much for others that it would be alright think of herself once in awhile". She looked at me as if I had suggested something slightly crazy and laughed it off. I still think I was right, Ce. While I am sad that Celia and Allan are no longer here to be with, it is nice to think of them together again somewhere. I am forever grateful to both of them.
A diligent reliable administrator for the Bible in schools programme . We enjoyed Celia’s encouragement and hospitality over the years.
Dear Rachel, Alastair and all your families Please accept our sincere condolences on Celia’s passing. We have fond memories of Celia through many family visits over the years with her gracious warmth, intelligent interest and lively conversation. With our love and best wishes Irvine & Judith
To dear Rachel and Alistair and all your families, I am grateful for the beautiful service you put together to remember Celia. Wishing you lots of love as you spend time together and with family and friends. Sad not to be with you all today. Alison
My wife, Laura, and I visited New Zealand from our home in California to visit my sister, Julie, and her family, then in Motueka, in September, 2012. As part of that trip, we visited with Ce and Allan in Dunedin. They were gracious and hospitable. Together we enjoyed sharing stories about their son, Alistair, and my sister, and their sons Max, Benji and Toby. Ce was an intelligent, thoughtful and caring person. She will be missed. As we say in our Jewish culture, "may her memory be for a blessing."