Annie Westoby

Biographical information contributed by Joan McIntyre, Friends of the Gorge Cemetery.

Annie Westoby was aged 79 when she died 30 March 1937. Her husband died 1884. 

Manawatu Standard Obituary:

'One of the earliest residents of Woodville district passed away in Christchurch on March 27 when the death occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs W Aitken, of Mrs Westoby. Born at Balclutha in 1857. Mrs Westoby was the daughter of Mr and Mrs A McNeil. She received her education in Dunedin being one of the first pupils to attend the Dunedin Girls’ High School. After leaving school she accompanied her parents on an extended trip abroad and on their return to the Dominion the family settled near Napier. After her marriage Mrs Westoby and her husband went to live at their farm on the Masterton Road, Woodville. On the death of her husband many years ago Mrs Westoby and her family removed to the township.

Mrs Westoby was of a very kind and generous nature and took a keen interest in all movements for the benefit of the town. During the war years she was an ardent worker for the Red Cross and was for years a member of the Woodville Horticultural and Plunket Societies. For many years she was president of the Holy Trinity Church Ladies’ Guild and on her retirement was made a life member.

Mrs Westoby is survived by one son, Mr R W Westoby, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Sydney and two daughters. Mrs R H Rhodes (Woodville) and Mrs W Aitken (Christchurch), and one sister, Mess U McNeil (Greennmeadows).