Margaret YOUNGMAN GELLON

In Remembrance of our dear friend and my cousin Margaret. Although we were a generation apart when born in the 20th century we were very close in years and both lived in and around Duned in the beautiful south isle of NZ. With lack of motorised family transport in the 1950s our catchups were mainly on weekends and holidays. My early memories were of you and my elder sister Hilary training in the art of Scottish dancing in which you both excelled. And, who could forget your purchase of that mighty little Vespa motor bike. We all thought you were so brave and admired you so much. Of course who could forget the Beatles Tour of 1964 when you purchased tickets for both yourself and Hilary to attend the Dunedin Concert. You moved onto the Bank of NSW which in those days was such an achievement and drew much admiration from so many family and friends. Your sense of adventure took you to Europe and me to Australia and we lost contact for many years. However, I took the family to Dunedin early in the 80s and you also happened to be visiting family at the same time with your husband Jean/John. We all caught up in Crewe Street and had many laughs revisiting past experiences and adventures. Mum and Dad looked on you as their 10th Child and hoped that your world experience and maturity might rub off on their other 9 children. Both you and John loved living back in the South Island but when the younger Wilson boys found work for John and then commenced his education in the French to Kiwi translation of some phrases, it created some very funny incidents. Then it was time for some Life changing decisions and you both made the hard choice to take the family back to France so that the children could experience both Cultures during their childhood. We loved catching up with you and family in Grenoble in 1999 and often reminisce about travelling from France to Switzerland and giving you some lessons in driving our Campervan. Your plan was to buy a Camper and show your children the beautiful region of France where you lived. A huge challenge but again, one which you accomplished in your own inimitable style. However driving in Australia was more of a challenge. You insisted on driving from Brisbane to Mackay/ approx. 1000klms by yourself. You were very confident on the double lane highways until you were 60klm north of Brisbane and realised the balance of the trip was all single lane and was also the National Highway full of heavy vehicles and fools. Once again you conquered that challenge in style arriving unscathed in Donald’s car. From OZ you were determined to trek back to France through Asia including Viet Nam and India. Margie, your strength and determination to prove to yourself and to others that anything was achievable inspired so many people and we loved you for it all the more. As you grew older and your health became a concern, Sondrene kept us up to date with how you were going. Your children and grandchildren have been your rock in later years and are so determined to keep your memory alive. Writing this has reminded me so much of your vibrancy, your strength of character and your beautiful friendship my beautiful cousin. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful Lady. Geoff and Jan Wilson

You will be with us always Margaret as we walk through the bush walk at Bull Creek you loved so much. Love always. ❤

Wonderful memories of a very special cousin and friend. Her love for travel and family led her to many parts of the globe.

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our much loved cousin n friend. We grew up together. We travelled together and we laughed and cried together. She will always be in our hearts and part of our memories. RIP beautiful cousin. Mike & Philippa Tauranga NZ ❤️

Margaret meant so much to our family. She was incredibly warm and free spirited and we loved her visits to NZ. I’m incredibly grateful for her generosity at showing me around Grenoble when I visited one Easter. She loved travel and special moments with family. Her warmth, humour, sense of adventure and beautiful smile will be remembered with love x

Margaret was a genuinely gently and lovely person. She was always interested in what we had been doing and loved a good story, and a laugh. We will miss her smile and visits. Sending our love and support to Sonny and Fenon xx

I first met Margaret after arriving in New Zealand 46 years ago. We met at the ANZ bank where we both worked in Invercargill. We hit it off immediately and remained close friends throughout the years. Margaret and Jean celebrated my Citizenship Ceremony with myself and husband, Kevin, in Invercargill. It was wonderful having such good friends there on the occasion. When in Invercargill Margaret and I would get together for crafty sessions while our men folk were working shifts. I remember filling the bathtub with water to soak our materials for basket weaving. Having only been used to eating cheddar cheese Margaret and Jean introduced us to many delicious cheeses and other culinary delights! We continued to share good times when we both ended up living in Auckland. Margaret moving to France did not dampen our friendship. We were greatly honoured when Margaret phoned and asked Kevin and myself to be Legal Guardians of Sondrene and Fernand after the sudden death of Jean – in case anything should happen to her. Margaret was a wonderful friend, a caring lady with an adventurous spirit. I loved the little teddy that travelled with her on her keyring and bag – so that she always had company! Good bye dearest friend. Now at peace. Love Lyn and Kevin xxxx

Lots of fun times over the years but very special memories of Margaret guiding us around Paris and Grenoble. It is a time we will always cherish. It was great to spend time with your family Sondrene and Boris and we are deeply saddened by her passing. Margaret's passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts! I have sent some photos of our time with you in 2011 and 2014. Love to you all. John and Jan