Wanganui woman Patricia Cunniffe has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit [MNZOM] in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Mrs Cunniffe is energetic and has remarkable dark blue eyes that twinkle with intelligence and fun. She's small in stature and laughs easily.
Of course she was very happy to receive the award for services to the community, she said, but felt just a little embarrassed at the same time.
"But ... look it's lovely, it really is, and I feel very honoured."
Even though she is well retired, her life is still busy, she said.