About 40 people gathered yesterday to remember Nyree Dawn Porter, a woman of "effortless elegance, strength, firmness and determination."
Miss Porter died last week in London aged 64.
She made her name in the 1960s as Irene in "The Forsyte Saga," a celebrated British period drama.
Yesterday a service of "remembrance, celebration and thanksgiving" was held at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Napier.
The service was held at 2.20 pm, the same time it was to be held in London.
The congregation sang the 23rd Psalm and heard a reading which was to be read at the London service by her nephew Ben.
Miss Porter's favourite Bette Midler song was also played during the service taken by the Rev Donald Ransom.
Mr Ransom said the service was for Hawke's Bay family and friends to remember, celebrate and give thanks for full life well-lived.
Miss Porter's brother John Porter spoke of a sister who never forgot his birthday.
Latterly it was cards for Christmas, birthdays and Easter - always three weeks early.
"She was very prepared."
Mr Porter said Miss Porter, sister Merle and nephew Ben stayed with him and his wife for two weeks a year ago.
Mornings were chaos as the visitors got dressed and ready to face the day each day.
"She gave me a fridge magnet 'I don't do mornings'."
Mr Porter said his enduring memory of his older sister would be her strength, firmness and determination."
"She knew what she wanted and how to get it." After Mr Porter spoke other members of the congregation shared their memories of ballet classes and schooldays with Miss Porter.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
Napier service for Nyree Dawn Porter
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