Rachel N. Roy

Biographical information provided by Lillie Le Dorré for the He Tohu exhibition:

Rachel Nimmo Roy was one of six children born to parents Janet and David Roy in 1866. She married John William Charles Dicker in 1893 and the couple had three sons, John David, Leslie Bennett and Oscar Huntly. 

Rachel demonstrated an aptitude for home crafts from an early age, winning a prize for sewing in the under 12 category at Kaikorai School. Her fine sewing and knitting abilities saw her serve as an enthusiastic member of the Taieri Women’s Patriotic Association from its formation during the First World War. These associations were an important part of the social fabric of early 20th century life; some 900 organisations operated during the war, giving women a sense of closeness to loved ones who were serving overseas. Rachel’s son Jack served as a Private in the Otago Infantry Battalion.

Rachel died in 1951, aged 94 years. She is buried at Wakapuaka cemetery in Northern Nelson, alongside John.

Rachel’s sisters Jane and Janet also signed the petition. Their signatures can be found on sheets 110 and 159 respectively.