RETTER, DOREEN DAPHNE WAYNE nee NAIRN

 

Doreen Nairn was born in Eltham, but soon moved to Hawera where she lived until her marriage to Leslie Retter in the late 1930's.

 

They settled at Okaiawa, where they kept bees and later started a small dairy farm.� Doreen continued to be involved in many Hawera activities.� Her family had always been prominent members of the Scottish Society, and she became a talented national dancing competitor.� Later she was appointed a national judge.

 

Doreen's interests included the Hawera Art Club and she helped start a library for the group.� She also taught and played the piano accordion and founded an accordion band of about ten players who performed in the Okaiawa district.� Doreen also belonged to the Okaiawa Croquet Club and Country Women's Institute.� During the 1950s she started a Country Girls Institute which faded out as the girls involved grew up.� She was also a keen stamp collector and correspondent with pen-friends all over the world.

 

Doreen and Leslie retired to New Plymouth where she died on the 15 June 1983.

 

SOURCE

Obituary "Taranaki Herald" 18 June 1983