Remembering Helen Robertshawe
28 Nov 2024
With great sadness, we note the passing of Helen Robertshawe, a beloved NZCF Life Member who passed away in early November at the age of 84.
Right up to the last days of her life, Helen was a stalwart supporter of choral music in the Wellington region and beyond. She was a keen choral singer, pianist and church organist, and sang over the years with the Orpheus Choir, Wainuiomata Choir, Northern Chorale, Kapiti Chamber Choir and Kapiti Chorale.
A member of the NZCF Wellington committee for many years, Helen was honoured with a Life Membership of NZCF for her outstanding contribution as a volunteer in the region. She was a keen advocate of The Big Sing in Wellington, with Juliet Dreaver, a fellow volunteer and ex-Chair of the NZCF Governance Board, noting that the event "wouldn't be the same without her."
Helen was a legend in the Wellington choral scene, riding her mobility scooter onto the train in Waikanae and off again in Wellington to get to concerts at venues all around the city! Her limited mobility didn’t hold her back from going to Auckland in July this year to attend concerts at the World Choir Games.
At Helen's memorial service, held at St Michael's and All Angels Anglican Church, Waikanae Beach, Director of Music Ken Dougall commented, "Anyone who has sung in church and other choirs in the Wellington region over the decades probably knows Helen... She was an incredible woman, and independent to the last."
Helen's ever-smiling face and enthusiastic personality will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Those who would like to watch the video recording of her memorial service can do so via this link.