Betty O'BRIEN Obituary

Betty was our sponsor, we called her aunty. If it wasn't for her we wouldn't be here. We are a Cambodian family that Aunty helped. I was 7 when we arrived to NZ and the eldest of 5 (youngest born NZ). I will always be grateful for all she has done for us, showing us the ways of the culture. We use to stay the night at her place in May St Hamilton quite often, she taught us to play solitaire, had ice cream and jelly, she had these awesome Russian dolls that I always loved to play with, I remember the piano in the dinning and how she had an upstairs that was real cool as a kid to look over her balcony. She was an amazing lady and I wish I showed her more of how appreciated she was. The last few years of her life I visited her at Cook St a couple of times during my lunch break just to say hi (I'm glad I did) and we attended her 90th birthday, which I feel best for. Aunty, thank you so much for being there for us, through the tough times and the good, you were a wonderful lady, I can't express enough how much you mean to us, I miss you every day. Sorry we were not there to say goodbye, just know you will always be in my heart and will always be loved

May I introduce myself, I am Vakaola Mafi from Tonga now residing in Rarotonga - Cook islands. I was fortunate to be provided with a free boarding at Betty's house at May St Hamilton in 1992 when I was a student at the university of Waikato. I had been thinking of her and decided to check on the internet and this is what I found. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. Part of me is sad but mostly happy because even when she was alive she was an angel to me. Such a beautiful soul that I look up to as role model for my me and my kids. I was happy that one time I was one of her feeding family so to speak together with Goung and Cambodian families in Hamilton. I'm her cares are still provided for us from heavan.

Love,

Vakaola Mafi & family.

O’BRIEN, Betty Marjory:
Dearly loved and treasured Aunty of Chris and Julie Shirley. Great-Aunty of Craig (deceased), Damian, and Matthew and Great-Great-Aunty of Cameron. A wonderful life well lived by a person who greatly cared for others. Rest in peace Aunty Betty.