Balloons released in memory of Kristie Purton's funeral
There was no better way to send off a mischievous, fun-loving and inspirational woman than the heaving mass of purple and black balloons released to honour the life of Kristie Purton.
The 35-year-old was one half of Tauranga's "Cystic Sisters" but was remembered yesterday as a person never defined by her illness.
Kristie and her younger sister Nikki Reynolds-Wilson were both born with cystic fibrosis and gained the hearts of the Tauranga community for their kind spirits and dedication to raising awareness of the disease.
Kristie Purton (left) and her sister Nikki Reynolds-Wilson, also known as the Cystic Sisters, won the hearts of the Tauranga community with their 65 days of good deeds. Photo / Justin Aitken
For a little woman, Kristie left a large hole in many lives proven yesterday as people saying their final goodbyes filled the Legacy Funeral parlour and spilled out the front.
Kristie set the dress code by showing up in a bright purple coffin and many people joined her by wearing her favourite colour combination of purple and black.
Speaking fondly of her sister and best friend in front of more than 200 people was something Reynolds-Wilson said she never expected.
"I don't think she knew how loved she was and how many lives she touched."
A purple casket with painted messages was Kristie's request before she died. Photo / George Novak
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder which clogs the lungs and pancreas with thick, sticky mucus and can be helped through treatments but is ultimately incurable.
A lung transplant in 2017 was Kristie's last hope but sadly her body began rejecting the lungs in February and she was told she had no more medical options.
She died with her mother, father and her sister by her side last Thursday at Waipuna Hospice and is survived by her husband Craig and their three children, Zack, 16, Curtis, 10, and 8-year-old Haylee.
Sister Nikki Reynolds-Wilson during her speech which was filled with loving memories shared between the pair. Photo / George Novak
"After she had Zach she became more driven to live," Reynolds-Wilson said.
"Her kids were her life. They were the reason she got up every day and fought so hard to live."
Her health issues were ongoing through her life but it only kept Kristie determined to do things people said she couldn't.
She loved anything outdoors and had completed two half iron men, the Kaimai classic, two tinman triathlons and Lake Taupō's 40km cycle.
"The whole of Tauranga would hear her scream whenever she caught a fish," Reynolds-Wilson said.
"She never stopped and no one was allowed to either."
Kristie died last week after a life-long battle against cysitic fibrosis. Photo / George Novak
Kristie was always there for Reynolds-Wilson's treatments for her own battle against cystic fibrosis and was even there to cut the cord at her own daughter's birth.
"She truly was the only person to believe in me 100 per cent.
"I don't know how I will live without you, Kristie, but for you, I will.
"Your kids are as strong as you are and I promise to be there for them like you have been there for me."
Tributes for Kristie flowed from family and lifelong friends, many of them sharing they were keeping Kristie's strength close to be able to share their words.
Her husband Craig, who Kristie had been with since high school, knew he wouldn't be able to get through his speech without breaking down so instead, his sister Kristie Barker read out his thoughts.
"What was it that we saw in her? Was it her strength and determination that made her impossible dreams a daily reality?
From locking her sister in the dog kennel to dancing in the rain, the tributes made clear that Kristie spent every day simply making the most of life.
In true Kristie fashion, she didn't want a traditional service. Instead, mourners were asked to put lollies on her casket rather than flowers.
There was not a dry eye as the hearse left and while balloons floated above them, people clapped in admiration of their friend who taught them how to live life.
