Shirley TYSON Obituary

Mrs Tyson you were nice and now until forever I will love you.
You were pretty and precious.
Love you lots Maisy Room 11 xox

Shirley, we were indeed privileged to know such a truly inspiring person. You have touched and enriched the lives of so many people in countless ways, your dedication and achievements as an educationalist will be a richly deserved legacy. We have very fond memories of the early Hawera days and have in recent years enjoyed time together as colleagues. Our sincere and deepest sympathy to Ross, Aimee and Deane. Gaynor, Greg, Amanda and Brent Terrill

To my beautiful sparkling colleague, who was inspiring, colourful and always made me feel like a million dollars. You always had the time to always guide people and exuberated the love of life. I will miss and remember you with loving memories always.

I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I remember Mrs T as a warm, caring person who was greatly admired by myself and family and she was also wonderful with my brother Aaron. My heart and prayers go out to you all, Ross, Aimee, Dean and family.

Shirley, you were one of the world's truly beautiful people. You lived life to the full, gave of your time and energy to so many people and you were well loved by everyone lucky enough to share in your life. I am so grateful that we were friends and I will miss you dearly.

We were so sad to hear of your loss, Ross, Aimee and Deane. We were your neighbours (No.9) in the Ashurst Avenue days and Aimee may remember sharing a birthday with our daughter Catherine. I recall with fondness the happy times we shared when our children were little and the shared birthday parties. Nothing can replace the emptiness you must all feel but I hope you are comforted by the many tributes here. It's obvious what a wonderful influence Shirley had on so many lives. Our love and prayers Gary and Geraldine Parker

Wow, such a huge loss. My best memory was a few years ago at the hukanui school gala. There was Mrs Tyson dancing with a small girl (her granddaughter I think) and with not a care in the world! Pure delight! I remember thinking wow, that is such a lovely memory to give a child and such a great way to enjoy life! You will be sadly missed.

It is simply incomprehensible to imagine Hukanui without its Mrs Tyson. Shirley was full of vibrancy, creativity and passion. What she lacked in stature she made up ten-fold in sheer energy. The manner in which Shirley gave of her time to support and encourage others is such a testament of her giving spirit. I feel truly honored to have worked with such an incredible teacher and am so grateful for the many, many laughs, giggles, anecdotes, songs and dances we shared. Shirley, you will be missed at our school more than it is possible to imagine.

Thank you for all the gifts you gave me and many others. You will be missed.

A person who gave more than she took. Thank you for inspiring and supporting my sons. You are missed and will not ever be forgotten.

My condolences to Ross and family for their loss. Shirley T was the "Ms Frizzel" of teaching delighting everyone with magic and vitality. Thankyou Shirley for opening your heart to Enviroschools and being there for us in the early days when great seeds were planted. Arohanui

A very special lady, one who made the time to always give a 'hello'. Remembered with a smile. Lynette Jones/Taite

Our Family is in Grief and shock at the Death of such a wonderful and vibrant person. She was so loved by me and my 3 Children. She could relate and influence everyone. I was also connected to her with the Hukanui School Band. teaching the instruments and involved with her in the organisation for many years. Shirley will be sadly missed by me and my 3 Children who she taught at school.
Michelle said "Wow what a shock.
Just 18 days she knew just so sad. It is a true shock! Poor mrs Tyson."
Michelle is so Artistic and musical. Shirley knew how to foster children with special talent. Shirely was her teacher for 2 Years and has had a profound influence on her future.
David says " wow I'm shocked also. I really remember her . Soo sad hope ur ok mum fell free to ring me. I'm actually upset about it to I used to really get along with her"
Thanks Shirley for your dedication and influence on my children. They have definatly grown up better off for knowing you. You will be forever in our hearts for Me and my Family. RIP

I remember your ever happy smiling face. A teacher who had time for everyone.
Thank you for being the passionate, caring and vibrant teacher my kids had the privilege of being around. And of course the one teacher who we all waited to see what earrings you would wear that day.
You will be truly missed.

Mrs Tyson was a fantastic teacher & a truly inspirational person. Her encouragement, support & passion for learning made her such an important influence in my life.

Mrs T you will be greatly missed and never forgotten xx

Standing Ovation for a woman who never blended into the crowd; who lit up the learning desire for kids who are now far and wide; who remembered past pupils and always waved out and remembered their names; who knew how to kick her heels up with friends, and was relied on by many. Your loss brings Heartbreak all round. You were The Bomb as a teacher and a human being. The hole that will be left in your family is obvious to all of us. xxx

Every time I wear my purple boots I will do it proudly in honour of you, my colourful friend!!! Much love , Gaylene Lonergan xoxo

Such a sad loss. Mrs Tyson was a huge part of shaping me into the person I am today. She will be greatly missed and to this day she has always been my favourite and most special teacher. I will never forget the amazing childhood memories she brought to my life. I will be forever grateful xx

Such a vibrant caring person, you will be dearly missed as a teacher and a person.

Shirley was by far the most exceptional teacher I have ever met. It has been a privilege to learn from the best. But more than, that it has been a delight to share life with Shirley. Ross, Deane & Aimee - thank you for sharing her with us.

Thinking of you all today - may your happy times together help to ease your sorrow Val Meredith xxx (Janyce's mum)

Shirley was by far the most exceptional teacher I have known. It was a privilege to learn from the best. But more than that it has been an absolute delight to share life with Shirley. Missing her more than words can say. Ross, Deane & Aimee - thank you for sharing her with us.

sorry to hear that shirley has past away as a care taker years ago shirley was all ways easy to talk to

You are an amazing person Shirley. Always bringing a smile to my face. You were loved by teachers, children, parents and anyone who met you. What an inspiration you were. Ryan loved you too, so many past Hukanui children have said the teacher they remember the most is you. Thank-you for all your kind words and support. We all will have to make sure we buy some funky bracelets and earrings to keep the tradition going. We would have loved you to meet Madison. You will be sadly missed. Rest easy. Love Ryan, Maree & Maddie xxoo

Our sincerest condolences to the Tyson family. Such an inspirational person full of love and life gone far too soon. You will be dearly missed. Our condolences also to the staff and families of Hukanui School. You will forever be in our hearts. Arohanui. Kerrilee, Liam, Jamee and Cody xx

Was so terribly shocked to hear of the loss yesterday. Thank you so much for everything you did for me during my time as a training teacher at Hukanui School. You were truly an inspiration and will stay strongly in my mind as I begin my teaching career next year. Truly one of a kind. Thoughts are with your family during this time xoxo

It was such a blessing to have you as a teacher. Even through my studies since leaving hukanui you were so willing to help and invest your time into me. It will be a huge loss to not have your smile around the school. X

My thoughts go out to Ross and family and to the Hukanui School community. Shirley will always be remembered as a vibrant person and an inspirational teacher. It is an honour to have worked with her. Rest in peace.

Shirley always found the time. She was a source of inspiration to me when when I needed a listening ear and support and when I had to find dress up clothes. I treasure many memories of those fun-filled events that we shared - the fairies, the water buckets and the treasure hunts among them.

It is with so much sadness to hear of the passing of Shirley -our Mrs Tyson of Hukanui School. Such an inspiring, enthusiastic, caring, genuinely interested, vibrant & colourful lady who has been a special part of so many lives. Our love & thoughts go out to Shirley's family. From the Kenyon family

So sorry to hear the shock passing of Shirley! She was such a delight and was loved by all young and old. Forever in our hearts.
Love Melissa Reid (Robinson).

Condolences to all your family Ross. I and all your colleagues are thinking of you at this difficult time. Shirley's wonderful legacy stretches far and wide through the many people she influenced so positively.

It has been TWENTY-THREE years since I traveled to New Zealand and was a part of the Tyson family and the school system for two weeks! No birthday year has ever compared to that one and no trip could compare to the fun, laughs and good memories I shared while in Hamilton. I wonder if Deane remembers the way he worshipped my Asic tennis shoes, if Amiee remembers the mornings we watched her play net ball (never heard of it before), if Ross remembers the days I spent at his school, and if Shirley remembers the "fanny pack" story which I have told so many times since...I did spend a few days in Shirley's class with the 8 year olds and have a video to prove it. You know, you meet people and though you don't see them you know they are still on the planet with you. I am shocked and saddened to hear of Shirley's passing and my heart and prayers go out to Ross, Amiee and Deane! I LOVE YOU-from Hariet in Adams, Wisconsin USA

Shirley you are a legend. As an extraordinary and inspirational leader you have guided and mentored many teachers to be the best that they can be. I was so fortunate to be one of those teachers. You opened many doors for me and provided opportunities to follow my passion in the teaching of the arts and mathematics. I will always remember you as a vibrant, fun loving and compassionate lady. To Ross, Aimee and Deane find comfort in each other as you share all the wonderful memories of this loved one.

Rest in peace to a teacher that always believed in me and pushed me to do 100% in everything I did. My heart goes out to your family and friends. You will be dearly missed xxxxxxx

Shirley you were a ray of sunshine at Hukanui. A friend and colleague. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given me over the years that now finds me teaching in Doha, Qatar. Our thoughts are with Ross and family and our friends at Hukanui School.
Sarah, Andrew, Joshua and Abbie Jacob

I am so sorry to hear about Shirley's passing, I have met her a few times in a professional setting and she struck me as a very vibrant and energetic teacher and leader. My heart goes out to her family, she will be remembered by me. Rest in peace Shirley.

My thoughts are with you Ross and family. Whenever we met on our university campus Shirley always gave me a warm hug. We were fortunate to have her amongst us. She was one of life's great treasures.

For such a little lady you had such great presence. It was obvious that you had such a passion for Hukanui school and loved the children who attended. Know that they love you too. Thank you for your encouragement and support for our girls.

Taken too suddenly and too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley's family and friends. May the wonderful memories you have, help you through this difficult time.

It has been a pleasure to know you Shirley .. Sincere condolences to your family.
Trudy Field

Shirley, you are such a dynamic, caring and special lady. You touched the hearts of so many and had a truly special gift with children - they just adored you. Thank you for being an inspirational friend, colleague and mentor to me over the years. I will miss you so much x.

The world has been a better place having you in it, you inspired my children to learn and start their journey to developing leadership qualities which only a rare few teachers are able to inspire, we were deeply saddened to hear of your sudden passing, our condolences to your family.

So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. We were out to dinner tonight and our daughter who has just begun her teaching career as a French teacher reflected that her first exposure to the French language was with Mrs Tyson at Hukanui. Our 3 children have very fond memories of her. It was a shock to come home and read of her passing. Our thoughts are with the family.
Graham and Katie Mills, Lydia, Andrew and Bethany

Our sincere condolences to Shirley's loving family at this very sad time. Having known Shirley through Hukanui School for 20 odd years teaching our children we know the beautiful lady Shirley has been to all the Hukanui children and their families. We will miss her waiting at the school gate or the crossing with her cherry 'good morning'. An exemplary teacher and friend taken from us all far too early. God bless this beautiful angel. Love Ian, Lyn, Dean and Celine Mason

Mrs Tyson was a wonderful teacher to my daughter at Hukanui Primary School. Our sympathy to her family and the Hukanui community.

Shirley, at 5ft nothing you were larger than life. A huge loss to our Hukanui community, it won't ever be the same. Prayers and thoughts are with your family. Arohanui Paulette xx

Mrs Tyson, I can't find the right words to express how sad I am. I remembered how you brought cheer to the school and how you were such a great leader of Hukanui -where I spent my first six years of schooling. May you rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the Tyson family.

One of the best parts of life is having good friends. Shirley will always live in my heart ... just like family.
My heartfelt sympathy to Ross,Aimee & Deane

To Ross and family,
My thoughts are with you as you come to terms with the sudden loss of Shirley. The teaching profession has lost a true treasure, but has gained so much from her talents and passion over the years. I am forever grateful for the wonderful start she gave me in my career. May you find comfort in the many happy memories you have shared as a family.
Fiona Asplin

Mrs T, we loved your style, your warmth and your hugs. We will miss you very much. With love from the Rex family XXXX

Feeling so very very sad.Thoughts and prayers with all the family over this incredible loss for all x

To Ross and family
Our thoughts and love and thoughts are with you at this time of great heartache and loss of a great wife mother and teacher.
Chris & Karen Calver

To the family and close friends of Shirley Tyson.I cant believe that Mrs Tyson is out of our lives.When I left for Fairfield Intermediate I thought one day i would come in and say hi.I just cant believe this tragedy could happen so quickly and most of us didnt know.Its just so sad that the awesome ones pass on. Rest in Peace, Mrs Tyson, Rest in peace.

We will no longer have our Saturday lunch catch ups but I will still have wonderful,precious and funny memories of the times we have shared.I will always treasure these and I know that they will never fade because your vivacious,bright personality and caring nature will always shine for me. Gwynneth

Hi Ross and family, we thank you for the time we got to spend with your Shirley, it felt like she was ours too- flamboyant, caring, and just gorgeous from the inside out. She touched our lives, Lucas for the time he got to spend with her in so many things he did at Hukanui and for me so many times she just juggled to enable me to make things happen. Then a true highlight wondering every time I saw her what she would be wearing :-). One in a million without a doubt. Our thoughts are with you all, Lucas, Jo and Cory

We will no longer have our Saturday lunch catch ups but I still have such wonderful, precious and funny memories of the times we have shared. I will now treasure these and I know they will never fade as your bright, vivacious personality and caring nature will always shine for me. Gwynneth

Once in a while a special teacher comes along that touches the hearts and minds of so many children, rest in peace Mrs Tyson your smile, your colour, your love of life and your fantastic streak of purple hair are going to be remembered forever by all those that had the great fortune to meet you. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family at this sad time.

Shirley - what an inspiration you have been! You have shaped the paths of so many children and teachers over the years and been an incredible friend and mentor to me. You are the very essence of all things Hukanui and will be so missed by us all. The world has lost some of it's shine without your sparkle here. Our deepest sympathies to Ross, Aimee and Deane.

An amazing friend and colleague who made everybody she met feel like they were the most important person in the world. Shirley's generous and effervescent spirit lives on in the many, many lives of people she touched. A special lady who lived life to the full. My thoughts are with Ross and the family, along with the Hukanui School community at this sad time.

Thank you Shirley for your everlasting encouragements, your way at looking at a child outside the box, your amazing patience and your dedication to the profession. Jess and Seb loved you very much. You will always been in our heart.

A beautiful person who adored our girls through their Hukanui School years - our thoughts are with her family.

What an exceptional teacher, thank you Shirley for being the inspirational warm caring person you were, you had time for anyone and have inspired so many. My sons have never forgotten "Mrs T". My thoughts are with the Tyson family at this time. Rest in peace Shirley.

Such an amazing and vibrant teacher. We are all so shocked but are so thankful that you touched our lives.

Our thoughts are with the Tyson family and the school
community who are reeling at the sudden loss of such a vibrant, inspiring educator, mentor and caring person. The school singing the national anthem will not be the same without your lead Mrs Tyson. Thank you for the positive impact you have had on so many children's lives.

I was very lucky to have been taught twice by Shirley, as a 10 year old student and then again I had her as a mentor and leader when I was a teacher myself. You were such an inspiration to me, someone who always brought out the best in others and always saw their inner gift. You touched so may peoples lives and made a true difference. I am so grateful I was one of them.

Mrs Tyson was a wonderful teacher to me. RIP Mrs Tyson

Rest in peace Shirley your smile and vibrant colours will be dearly missed at Hukanui school. All my love to your family .gone but never will be forgotten R.I.P

So sad to hear that Shirley is no longer with us. I remember some lively and interesting discussions we had about maths! My boys loved her arts/drama electives. We will remember her as a unique, fun and very kind person.

We will always remember you mrs Tyson and we will miss your lovely smile and your beautiful colours R.I.P

Shirley, you and I both came to Hukanui in 1989
We didn't get to say goodbye
We're devastated that you're gone
We'd've done anything to keep you here with us
Right here where you belong
We didn't know that life would take
Such an unexpected path
That you'd be separated from us so soon

I'd like to express my gratitude
You were a great example
Of the best way one can live
Your generous, loving spirit
Was a daily gift you chose to give
And we knew that we were privileged
To know someone so dear
You shared our lives, both the good and bad
Our true friend and colleague throughout the years.
Ross, Dean, Aimee, Kellyn and Hannah, my thoughts are with you all. What a special lady!

To Ross, Amiee and Deane,
So sorry that we cannot be with you tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
We will very much miss our WOW Bunny/ Purple Princess and her most impressive scarf dancing.
We loved her very much.
Our love to all of you and hugs from afar.

Liann Scott (Ian and Bree)

Our family will miss Shirley's wicked sense of humour, her passion for the individual and education, her gorgeous sense of style and her ability to improve our day just by being in her company. Our condolences to Shirley's family.Kia Kaha
Neave, Fynn, Sarah and Bruce Bodley-Davies

Shirley, you were the best neighbour and friend in the world. I always loved the purple streak you had in you hair. Rest in peace. Love Gemma xx

Shirley took me under her wing and kept me there, she gently guided me through difficulties and supported me through stresses both in my school and home life. Shirley's funky style inspired me and we often compared notes on boots and jackets. l will remember you at school... and when I shop, Shirley my NZ mum I'm so sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. Love you always.

A wonderful supportive teacher with a heart of gold. Thanks Shirley for the impact you had on my three daughters schooling. Thoughts and payers to Shirley's family at this sad time.

I am truly at a loss for words but not as big as the loss that we at Hukanui School are now feeling. You were magic Shirley, not just with the children but with everyone that crossed your path. May you rest in peace and shine down on us as you shone brightly in life. Thoughts go out to your family at this extremely sad time.

To Ross & Family
Deepest sympathy and thinking of you all on the loss of Shirley. Treasure your happy memories.
Shirley & John Reid

Sending love and thoughts to everyone. A great loss of a really neat lady. From the Wallis-Bland family xx

What a privilege it has been to have been known and blessed by Shirley's presence. She will continue to be an inspiration and mentor despite her passing. You were loved by many and leave a shoes that will never be filled. If I could be half the teacher and person you have been I will be thankful. Arohanui Kath

Mrs Tyson you were such a memorable and inspirational teacher, I feel privileged to have crossed paths with you - thank you for that. My thoughts are with you family and friends at this time.

So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing.
Thank you for your wonderful commitment to our children.Our thoughts are with the family. God bless. RIP.

" hurihia to aroaro ki te ra, tukuna to atarangi kia taka ki muri i a koe"..turn your face to the sun, let the shadows fall behind you . To my dear friend and school "mum"..thank you for the lovwe and support you have shown me and my whanau..there are no words adequate. Ross and whanau we grieve with you.
Nadine xx

To Deane and family. Very sorry for your loss.

To the world you may be just one person,but to one person you may be the world and Mrs T you were the world to so many. A wonderful friend, colleague and the most favourite teacher ever for my girls over so many years.Shirley you will be so missed by us all.Keep on dancing.Sharon,Peter,Nicole,Rachel and Ashleigh McLean

Our deepest sympathies to Ross and family. We had the pleasure of being next door neighbours to the Tysons when Ross first met Shirley and brought that lovely girl over to meet us. A truly lovely couple. From Valerie and the late Keith Wills and daughters Lynne and Robyn.

Shirley was an inspiration to me and my teaching. Her support and guidance has made me the teacher I am today. I will miss our chats and laughs together. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

Shirley, I'm so sorry for us all that you are no longer here with us - you always had a smile and a kind word to say and you will forever be cherished by all at Hukanui. God Bless.

I had the pleasure of working with Shirley as a numeracy adviser. During that time she became a friend as well as a colleague. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed in many education circles. A wonderful lady, now at peace. Judith Mills, Te Awamutu.

Sincere condolences to the Tyson family on your sudden loss. Amongst her many outstanding professional and community involvements, Shirley took part in research in Arts education, in collaboration with myself and others at the University of Waikato. Though I didn't get to know her well personally, I certainly remember her energy and fizz as part of the team. She made a mark in her field and will be sorely missed by colleagues in Arts education.

Shirley, I know that all your colleagues at Hukanui will miss you so much, including my Mum. Ross, Dean, Aimee, Kellyn and wee Hannah, our thoughts are with you all. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Much love, Rebecca, Bjorn and Charlotte x x x

Your sense of fun and style will be sorely missed by all.The world is a little darker now without your light in it. Sincerest condolences to the Tyson family

I was incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of 'Mrs Tyson'. Shirley, your absence will be sorely missed in the school. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this time.

Shirley, you will be so greatly missed. Thank you for your guidance and friendship during my time at Hukanui. I shall remember fondly the many laughs and times shared. You are indeed so loved and respected and an inspiration to many as to what a teacher should be. Sending my love, thoughts and condolences to Ross, Deane and Amiee.

To Ross and family. Our thoughts are with you with the loss of a very special person.

Deepest condolences to the Tyson family. Mrs Tyson was much loved by the children at Hukanui School. She had a great sense of fun, warmth and personality. She will be sadly missed.

Such a beautiful person

Mrs Tyson taught me in the early 90's.
Thoughts are with family and friends. Some of my earliest memories are with you. RIP xo

I remember Shirley as a student in the 80's and was shocked to hear of her passing. Her love of teaching was an inspiration to all.

Sending hugs and support to the family of Mrs Tyson. Shirley was a wonderful teacher with a friendly, soft spoken nature and a fantastic sense of style! I just loved the purple streak:) she will be greatly missed and Hukanui school won't be the same without her.