Vivian Waller remembered: A celebration of life

Jack Waller, the husband of Vivian-Leigh Waller, stands with friends at the Memorial held for Vivian-Leigh Waller. Photo / Herald on Sunday / Steven McNicholl

Vivian Waller created a "time capsule of love" so she could remain a part of her 1-year-old daughter's life as her time drew to an end.

The 21-year-old died a fortnight ago after battling an aggressive form of cancer which left her with just months to live.

At a celebration of her life in Orewa, north of Auckland, on Saturday afternoon, Vivian was beamed into the hall from beyond the grave, with songs and messages to her husband, Jack, and daughter, Sophie, that she recorded in the months before her death.

"She's the best thing that's happened to me in my entire life," Vivian said in a video recording. "I wouldn't trade her for anything."

She then broke into a song she recorded, "there's so much I want to tell you."

Sophie Waller, dressed as an angel at her mum's memorial. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Also giving a message from the afterlife was US comedian Robin Williams, who died just weeks after he sent Vivian a message of support.

"I'm sending all my love to you, Jack and Sophie," Williams said. "Knock this off your bucket list."

Vivian was laid to rest at a private ceremony earlier in the week but over 150 people gathered at the Orewa Arts and Events Centre for the celebration today.

Guests, many of them from Vivian's "Steam Punk" and "Live Action Role Playing" communities, dressed up in elaborate costumes in tribute.

Vivian's husband, Jack, also died his hair blue and donned a sword while Sophie wore a white dress with angel wings.

The event's host, family friend Leanne Willis, said Vivian was "undeniably the most courageous young woman I have ever met".

"I watched over the months that followed [her diagnosis] as they endured horrific challenges that quite frankly no-one their age, in fact no-one of any age, should have to endure," she said.

"She had such steadfast determination to do what had to be done - from hand-picked birthday cards, gifts, song recordings and video clips, Vivian created a time capsule of love from mummy to her baby girl, Sophie."

Jack and Sophie pay tribute to Vivian. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Vivian and Jack made headlines in February when they married just weeks after her diagnosis.

Her father, Yahn Darkwood, said he was so proud of her when faced with "inevitable and very dire circumstances".

"When we walked you down the aisle to spend your life with your prince I was so damn proud of you."

Jack said his memories of Vivian would sustain him for life.

"I find myself very often just sitting down and remembering Viv and it's as if she's in the room because that is her now."

Speaking after the ceremony, he said while Sophie may be too young to remember his mother, the times capsule would ensure she was a presence in her life.

"Just having that feeling of her mum there will hopefully be something that imprints for a long time."