PARKES, Nina Winifred (Win) – Died suddenly, at our beloved family beach house at Taieri Mouth, on Thursday, October 9th, 2025; aged 84 years. Loving and much-loved wife of the late Ross, mother to Karen, Derek and Margot, grandmother to Josie and Angus, mother-in-law or 'other-mum' to Paul, Julie, and Robbie, sister to Janet, Bill, Pippa, Helen, and Sally, and precious friend, mentor, and inspiration to many.
Win may be viewed at Hope and Sons until noon on Tuesday, October 21st, please contact Hope and Sons to make arrangements.
Following a private cremation, a Memorial Service to celebrate Win's life will be held in the Chapel at Aoraki Funeral Services, 160 Mountain View Road, Timaru at 11.00am on Friday October 31st.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Forest & Bird would be appreciated and any messages can be posted to The Parkes Family, C/- Hope and Sons, PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054 or on Win's page below.
Messages
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Sorry and sad that due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to attend Wins funeral yesterday. Both she and Ross were very special friends for over sixty years. Our sincere sympathy to you all as you face the loss of both of your parents. Bernie and Gwenyth Wilson
On behalf of the Coxhead family—David and Judy in spirit, and myself, Christina, and William, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear family friend, Win Parkes, and feel incredibly fortunate to have shared so many wonderful moments with her. Personally, I want to express how lucky we feel that Win met my children, Alice, Amelie, Zoe, and Caitlin in Timaru in 2021. Together, we enjoyed the Forest and Bird Kids Conservation Club activities and embarked on a memorable adventure around Timaru. Adventures were a recurring theme whenever our families came together, and Win was never one to sit still. Big ideas and ambitious projects led us on extraordinary ventures, like gold mining in the Nevis, beautifully captured in the albums Win artfully created. It’s extraordinary to think that our album is just one of many that document the countless adventures Win and Ross shared with their family and friends. Win’s life was a testament to exploring, caring, learning, loving, and laughing—all with a sense of purpose. Her legacy lives on in the projects she initiated and in the hearts of those who knew her.
Dear Win ,our carefree safe childhood days living in Shetland Street.So many memories of enriching experiences that helped develop our life pathways. We lived in a strong supportive community….at Wakari. School with children from diverse backgrounds, we happily attended Church of The Good Shepherd.Girl Guides had us enthusiastically exploring Flagstaff ,learning appreciations of flora & Fauna …and how to build & cook on a safe open fire. Such exciting Church dances ….with boys!………..attending OGHS……student days. All those magic times organised by you,with friends,Geraldine ,Ros & Jim, Esther, Marion,Joc & others,at Taieri Mouth,Arrowtown & Paradise. Rest in peace dear friend Win.
Dear Win I shall always remember you. We had some good times at school and at my family crib at Purakaunui after school exams. We lost touch for a few years but you found me again here in Auckland and we have travelled, stayed at Taeri Mouth and caught up when you came to Auckland. You were always interested in people and what was happening. We had a mutual enjoyment of singing and playing bridge. My deepest sympathy to all of you who have lost a precious person. I would seriously have considered coming down for the memorial but will be travelling to Napier that day for my grandson’s engagement party. My thoughts are with you. Lana
To the Family of Win Parkes It was a shock to be telephoned by various Taieri Mouth friends to advise of Win’s sudden and unexpected death. And, of course, your whole family has been shocked at this suddenness – you have lost a mother, a sister, a cousin, and an aunt, and your lives will never be the same without Win. As a friend, I feel cheated that I can no longer share my writing endeavours with Win. She will no longer pop in to visit when travelling back & forth from Timaru to Taieri Mouth. She will no longer come for lunch and I will no longer be able to surprise her with my cuisine. I first met Win at Taieri Mouth in the 1970s and later when she conned me into doing a little typing for her and Kath Hislop. A little bit of typing was in fact almost a whole manuscript of the Taieri Mouth history, which those two women compiled. I did enjoy the process although Win was to gloat about how she conned me into taking on that unpaid work! And then years later, we could both laugh about it. I will always remember Win for her love of the history of Taieri Mouth (of which I was a part for 35 years) for her vivaciousness, her positiveness, always cheerful. While I have not had as much contact with Win since moving from Taieri Mouth twenty-five years ago, I will miss not having her in my life. I am sorry I will not be able to attend Win’s memorial service next Friday. My thoughts and condolences are with you all at this time. Yours Sincerely, Dot Duthie
In loving memory of my very dear friend Win since 1954, our first year at Otago Girls High School. She was always full of life and loved planning things to do. Taieri Mouth and Central Otago were favourite places from school days. Our doors were always open to one another, families and friends whether we lived in NZ or in UK. I enjoyed a lovely celebration of Helen's 80th on Monday 6 October with Win, Helen, Sally, Philip, Pippa, plus two of their friends at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Win was in fine form. I am devastated that she died on the evening of Thursday 9th but am happy for her that she went peacefully. As our school friend Lana said for our generation, it is now a case of 'carpe diem'. Win certainly did. My loving thoughts and heartfelt condolences to all of you in Win's family. I hope to see you in Timaru on the 31st October for the celebration of her life and when you are in Christchurch. Much love, Gerry xox
My thoughts are with you all as you say your goodbyes to such a wonderful human. Win was such a positive force in this world, we are all going to miss her presence. Hugs, Zara
Our very deepest Sympathy to you all, a big shock to hear of Win's passing but what a lovely peaceful way to finish her time with us all. She still had so much she wanted to do. Our family (Knarston's) were neighbors & friends at Taieri Mouth for many years. Rest in peace Win. Joan, Graham & Family xx ❤
Dear Win has over the years, enlivened our 3rd Age adventurers tramps with her love of the bush and birds. I will also miss her dry wit and cheerful laugh at our monthly BBC Book Club meetings. Win always had an insight to add to the discussion. Mybsympathy goes to all the family because it must be hard to believe such a vibrant and alive person is no longer with you. All i can say is that a dawn chorus of bird song will be awaiting her. Sorry I cannot attend the memorial service but my sympathy goes to all the family.
The Cowie family send their condolences to Win’s family at this sad time. I first met Win in late 2017 at Taieri Mouth, and we instantly bonded over the TM book reprint. It was an absolute joy to work with Win and learn from her extensive knowledge. She was a real wordsmith. Since then, our family have all enjoyed Wins pop-in visits, trips up the river and meals together at Taieri Mouth. Last New Year's Eve, Win invited her close-by neighbours to her classic crib for a get-together. In her typical fashion, she could be observed ‘working the room’ and introducing everyone to each other. Win was the perfect host, making it a memorable event. Happy Days Win. Elizabeth and Steve Cowie.
Sincere sympathies to Win’s family. Our thoughts are with you. Pip and John Cleverley x
We will so miss Win at our next reunion. Always so cheerful and positive. Loved our time at Taieri Mouth earlier this year . What a lovely place for her final hours.