Champion of the people farewelled

POSITIVE: Louise Elder was described as a people's champion.

The life of a woman described as a champion of the people, a defender of the vulnerable, a strong advocate and a representative for the downtrodden, was celebrated at her funeral service in Masterton yesterday.

Barrister and solicitor Louise Elder, 50, who died last Monday, was farewelled at St Matthew's Church at a service that packed the church up and downstairs, as well as the annexes and spilled out on to the lawn.

Among those who came to farewell Ms Elder were many police, fellow lawyers, court staff and people for whom she had taken up the cudgel on their behalf as a lawyer.

Her sudden death soon after surgery for a aneurism prompted a huge outpouring of grief and emotion but at yesterday's service the emphasis was on celebrating Ms Elder's colourful life, her vibrancy and her successful career.

Reverend Lesley Mouat, who conducted the service, spoke of Ms Elder as a woman who never ceased to give others the benefit of her natural talents and abilities, and who had "always been there for her children".

Georgina Miller, a friend since university days in Wellington, said Ms Elder was "funny, generous, charismatic and loyal", but likewise did not suffer fools gladly or people who crossed her and "cut to the chase" when she had something to tell you.

In her early Wellington days, she had formed a social hockey team, which later morphed into a netball team named The Growlers.

The team could never be described as being successful on the field or court but had, by all accounts, been enormous fun and Ms Elder had shown a special knack for contesting decisions of referees.

The vice-president of the New Zealand Law Society, Mark Wilton, said Ms Elder had been a "very fine lawyer.

"She has been described as a defender of the weak and vulnerable, a strong advocate and amazing representative of the downtrodden - a champion of the people," he said.

Fellow solicitor Jock Blathwayt said he had lost a good mate and colleague.

The size of the gathering was testament to the fact she had touched many lives.

"Lou's clients were not just clients they were also friends," Mr Blathwayt said.

Not only was she a top lawyer respected by judges, her colleagues, clients and court staff, she was also a devoted mother, he said.

Ms Elder's brother, Nigel, spoke of their young lives when living in England before the Elder family emigrated to New Zealand and described his sister as caring, fun loving and family orientated.

Ms Elder's favourite music including I'm a believer by Neil Diamond and Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer were played at the service. At a private cremation service the casket was carried to Dancing Queen by Abba and Cracklin Rosie by Neil Diamond.