Mary AYRES Obituary

I first met Mary when I was a school pupil in Dannevirke and then worked with her on the staff of PNGHS. She had so much to offer and had very positive contact with my husband Ian (RNZ) and son Graham in musical endeavours. Much love to her family. Elayne Johnston

Mary Ayres at our last PNGHS prizegiving - her last one as HOD Music and my last one as I was leaving school.

Dear Mrs Ayers

You are someone I owe a lot to, friend, teacher and mentor.

My first memory of you was seeing you behind the piano in Music Room 1, enthusiastically playing an accompaniment on the piano; vibrant, colourful and larger than life!

You took me under your wing when I was somewhat a troubled girl at PNGHS; your office was a sanctuary, you were a listening ear, and you turned a near blind eye when the pianos in your music rooms became a hide-out when things got too much.

You encouraged me on clarinet, gave me an opportunity to play in the school orchestra and pleaded my case before the principal at the time when, as a punishment I had been suspended from musical activities. I remember the amazing school productions I had the opportunity to participate in - some of which were even composed by you!

You encouraged me in Performance Music and convinced me that I could sing in tune when I didn't believe I could. You never stopped believing in me no matter how difficult I was and thanks to your patience, faith and perseverance, started me on my Christian walk when things easily could have gone badly.

When I returned to the Palmerston North music scene, you were there at all my concerts, cheering me on, proud that I was one of your old girls, even remembering me as one of your favourite students.

Thank you also for your kindness to my Dad when he moved to Summerset and your cheerful presence behind the bar at happy hour.

Mary, I thank you and salute you for it is to you I owe my BMUS, FTCL, my love for choral music and my love for God. Keep on making your music in heaven!

Requiescat in pace.

Ingrid Vlieg, TSSF.

A great lady at rest.i always enjoyed my conversations with Mary.Music music music.A great friend at Probus too.Thinking of the family at this time .

Condolences to the family' A very gracious lady who has had a special place in many musical hearts,