Helen GIFFORD Obituary

Love , light and peace for you my friend,

Not so many years ago, I might laughed at the notion of feeling such a sense of loss and emptiness at the passing of someone I've never met in person, but over these past few years, I have very much dismissed that notion. Through the more positive aspects of social media, I've come to realise that even such a huge distance doesn't mean that such friendships are any less real or cherished as our long established friendships. Helen (Mary Possum) was blessed with a sharp wit, and a genuinely warm humour. Her love of Ospreys, and wildlife in general are a huge part of who she was, and I know that those of you, both family and friends that knew her in person, will have a huge gap in your lives. May your memories bring you comfort going forward. Rest easy, Mary Possum........

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Helen, who I knew as Mary, she will be sadly missed by so many!

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Helen. I knew her as Mary (or Possum), and really appreciated her ready wit and enthusiasm. My thoughts are with you all.

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Helen Gifford (aka Mary Dempsey on fb)from all her many virtual friends at Glaslyn Ospreys in North Wales. RIP Mary.

I've been trying to find the right words for here, but there is only grief. We never met, Helen/Mary lived in New Zealand and I live in California, but we were mates, buddies. We got to know each other through a mutual love of osprey. In particular the Glaslyn osprey nest in North Wales and the team of volunteers who protect them. She introduced me to the beautiful laysan albatross, and shared the wonderful conservation work being done in NZ to save kakapo parrots.
She was a great puncturer of over inflated puffed up egos. A real champion of the little guy, the under dog. She used her words, and her pocket book, to help where she could - quietly and without fanfare. She was a warrior and woe betide anyone who attacked one of her friends, or a project she supported.
She was warm, funny, witty and whip smart. Quite simply she was unique, irreplaceable.
And now she's gone, leaving a gapping hole behind in the lives of all who and knew and loved her.
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy to all her family and friends. I know many of her 'virtual' friends will be joining you at her memorial service, and many real tears will be shed.
RIP Helen Gifford, aka Mary Dempsey, aka Possum.

So sorry to hear of your passing, my thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad time

To Nerolie and family our sincere condolences at this sad time. Memories of lots of great family times between the Giffords and Burt families in Otane, Okaiawa, Opunake and Upper Hutt. Treasured memories in times long passed. Our thoughts are with you on this sad occasion. RIP Helen.
Carl and Dianne BURT now resident Australia.

So very sad to hear of Helen's (aka Mary on FB) passing. Although I never met her, we were FB friends for years. Her comments and posts always brought a smile to me. I will miss her wit and wonderful sense of humor. RIP dear lady!

Sincere condolences to family and friends, I will always remember your kindness and humour lovely lady x

Dearest Helen (aka Mary Dempsey aka Possum). You will be so sadly missed in our little group. Your wit and down to earth comments could always be guaranteed to bring a smile and laughter from so many of us and although we never got the chance to meet you in person, many tears have been shed over your passing. Deepest condolences to your family. RIP lovely funny lady. XX From all of us on The Banter Bunch Facebook group.

My thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.