More than 600 people gathered in the Ashburton Event Centre today to celebrate the life of Peg Noble, one of two women shot to death last Monday in Ashburton's Work and Income building.
People who attended the service said that alongside the sadness and grief there was warmth and laughter as extended family and co-workers spoke of the woman they said had been loved by all who knew her.
At the request of the family, media kept their distance, standing on street corners to film and photograph Ms Noble's casket as it was placed in the hearse before the funeral procession moved to a graveside farewell at the Ashburton Cemetery.
Among the mourners were Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew and Ashburton mayor Angus McKay.
