Peacefully, after a brief illness, On February 6, 2026, surrounded by her children, at her home; aged 83 years. Wonderful Mum of Sean, and Tracy, loved Gran of Kate, Georgia, and Tom, beloved sister of Gwenyth, Mary, and Shirley, and a good friend to many, including those she worked with at the Otago Daily Times.
Thank you to the staff of Chatsford, and Otago Community Hospice for their care and support of our Mum.
A celebration of Gaynor's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 11am, On Wednesday February 11, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers a small donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Messages to Gaynor's page below, where you can also access the livestream.
Live stream
LivestreamMessages
We have emailed you a verification code. Enter it below to publish your message. It can take a few minutes to arrive, and it is worth checking your spam or junk folder.
Thank you. Your message has been confirmed and will appear shortly.
Dear Sean and Tracy, and Gaynor's grandchildren and her sisters and friends, so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Gaynor bring her lovely warmth back to you. As a youngster I worked for Gaynor in the advertising features department at the ODT on and off for years, and when I heard the news of her death, I just remembered so clearly her greeting every young person with, "Hello tiny little chicken!" every day. What a beam of sunlight she was, and how easy it made it to go in to work. I also have my driver's licence because of Gaynor. Never ambitious, I had never wanted to drive, but you can't go around all the local businesses doing advertising features without a licence, and Gaynor just said to me: "Go away and get your restricted and then come back to us." I failed my first attempt but she just told me: "Go back and try again tiny little chicken." So I did, and I'm glad I can drive today as it comes in handy. I also learnt lots about cracking out the stories at pace when you need to, from both Gaynor and Jude. They were a fabulous team and their working relationship was something to aspire to. Again, wishing you comfort in your memories of Gaynor.
Dear Sean and Tracy, sending you my love across the seas from Berlin. My Mum let me know that your Mum had died. I've just watched the service for Gaynor, and am so glad to have been able to do this from far away, to have a wee cry and a laugh and to say goodbye. (And of course it also cued me to look you both up on Linked In to see what you're doing professionally.) Well done on your speech Tracy. I loved watching all the photos, especially with the beautiful birdsong and stream accompaniment, and even recognised one head-shot that must have been up in the past homes that I was made to feel so welcome in so often. Gaynor was one of my crucial early role models, showing me not only her generosity and tenacity of spirit but also that it was possible to make a gainful life from writing. Wishing you and yours good passage through the grief, love, Sandra xoxo
Dear Sean and Tracy I just watched the lovely service for Gaynor. All I could think of was the fun and laughter that she and Jude created in their little corner of the Allied Press building. She always smiled....well mostly...and found ways to share her joy with others. Thinking of you and her wider family as you grieve and hoping the lovely memories you have of her give you strength. And comfort. Arohanui ❤️ May she rest in peace.
I was so sorry to hear Gaynor passed away. I worked with Gaynor at Allied Press - she was a lovely lady, with a great sense of humour! I often think of her when I pass her former home in Musselburgh. You are in my thoughts at this sad time.
Sending our love to you all, Sean, Julie, Tracey, Kate, Georgia and Tom. Thinking of you at this sad time. xx
Our condolences to you and your families. Have great memories of aunty gaynor and the times we spent together.
Firstly sincerest condolences to the family. I worked with the gorgeous Gaynor at the ODT for many years. I was 26 when I started and thought Gaynor and Jude Hathaway were ancient st 46. I am still there 38 years later so now I am the ancient one in the eyes of the young ones lol. Gaynor was a beautiful soul, with a fabulous sense of humour, her editorial writing skills top notch. She loved her writing. RIP lovely Gaynor.