Christchurch earthquake: Family, friends farewell 'woman of bright colours'

Maureen Fletcher was 'a pleasure to know'. Photo / Supplied

Maureen Fletcher spent the last moments of her life chatting to a couple she had just met in a coffee bar.

It didn't matter that they were complete strangers. That was just the kind of woman she was.

The 75-year-old died when the roof of the Tasty Tucker Bakery and Coffee Bar in Sydenham collapsed during the February 22 earthquake.

Yesterday, she was farewelled in a moving graveside service at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Christchurch. In the shade of giant gums, Mrs Fletcher's family and friends gathered to say goodbye. Andy Douglas, Mrs Fletcher's friend of 35 years, led the ceremony.

"We were kindred spirits together, to help solve the mysteries of life," he said. "She was a warm, motherly lady with a strong desire to uplift others."

Mrs Fletcher was born in Christchurch, married at 18 and had four children. She was a highly spiritual woman and enjoyed astrology, reading cards and numerology. She spent 18 years working at the Waiwera Ashram just north of urban Auckland, until age and ill health forced her to retire.

She returned to Christchurch in 2004, happy to spend more time with her family.

"She was thoughtful to help when you needed it, and knew when to stand back when you didn't," Mr Douglas said. "She loved her crystal collection and passed on her knowledge to those who sought peace and understanding.

"She had admiration for good people. She was humble, sincere, caring, uplifting and a pleasure to know."

Mrs Fletcher's son, Rodney, battled tears as he recalled his beloved mum. "My mum had a big heart. She loved everyone," he said.

"She was a great mum and I will miss her. I heard from her two weeks before she passed ... I love you, Mum."

Mrs Fletcher's grandson also spoke.

"She was so special. I will always cherish the memories."

Some of Mrs Fletcher's friends spoke at the service. One read a piece Mrs Fletcher wrote about roses, her favourite flowers that adorned the top of her coffin.

Another, Joy, said: "We had a lot of fun. We did so many things."

She recalled weekly shopping trips with their group of friends, who would take turns driving.

"She'd take us all over Christchurch to get to Belfast. She liked to see new roads.

"We went through a lot of things together.

"She was a good friend, she was there for anybody when they needed her. She was bright colours ... That was Maureen: bright colours."

Before the funeral, Joy had placed a red rosebud in her friend's coffin, "so she can take that with her".

"I know you're not in there, Maureen. You're probably sitting there behind us laughing your head off."

Mr Douglas said Mrs Fletcher had touched a lot of people.

He urged her family to reflect on the wonderful times they had shared with her.

"We are grateful to have had Maureen in our lives."