Janet Barbara Hammond-Tooke

Sad news! Janet was a distant cousin of mine on the Durno side. My wife and I visited Janet, Rick and Christine at Oamaru ( including evening penguins)during a month long visit to NZ about 10 years ago, and they showed us around the area and then she took us to Dunedin, where we actually saw an. albatross! Such a kind person, and we exchanged emails since. Another good soul gone. Condolences to all, John, 92

When I walked into the Rand Park High staff room over forty years ago, Jan reached out to me in warm friendship. We were kindred spirits from that day, sharing not merely English literature and teaching, but life. From young girls carrying our firstborn babies together, to now, we remained close as ever, even across the continents and oceans between Oamaru and Toronto. Jan coloured my world. Sweetest friend, when you finally slipped the bonds of your terrible suffering, whom could I turn to in this immeasurable loss? Thank you for being a vast power for good to all the souls you touched. You have been a harbour in a dark, tempestuous world.

Please accept my sincere sympathy on your very sad loss. I remember Janet well from my visits to her ELL Department at Waitaki Boys High. She was totally devoted to the boys in her care, and her gentle and caring nature was always evident. Thinking of you all at this sad time. With love Pauline Douglas Dunedin

Dear Ricky and family, Janet was a dear friend whom I greatly admired, respected and loved. I will remember our times together, coffees, braais, meals, chatting about all sorts, watching movies. Janet was always interested in what I was doing and in my family. I enjoyed your knitting projects Janet, you were an amazing knitter. I admired her, often thinking how brave she was, every day was a health battle for her. Across 30 plus years, I have so many good memories. I will miss you so much. With love Myra.

Dear Ricky and Hammond- Tooke family, Janet left us an exemplary legacy. She was always kind, considerate and compassionate towards others. As a friend, Janet could be relied on to give sage advice and a balanced perspective on any conundrum. A true aesthete, she had an abiding love for and appreciation of nature, philosophy and The Arts. Janet was a gentle and refined person, who nevertheless had an infectious sense of humour and warmth which touched everyone who came into contact with her. Besides being a member of several clubs and societies, Janet was a member of a group of flippant friends who called themselves the Fabulous Five. The Hammond- Tookes often found that their home became the preferred venue for shared cups of tea and ideas, accompanied by lots of laughter. Our deepest condolences go to Ricky and family. Janet will always be carried in our hearts. Gail,Bev, Sandy and Genevieve.

Dear Ricky and family. I am so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. Ricky I always admired how you and Janet were such a great team and I know you will miss her terribly. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Dear miss Thank you for always look after me in waitaki boys high school....you are my favourite teacher ever and ever May god bless you and your familys See you again in heaven miss Miss you...

I am so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Condolences to the whole family at this time. We started teaching together so many years ago. As first year teachers we became good friends and supported each other through those early years. Janet was a caring and kind teacher. She impacted the lives of so many young people. Love to the family and Janet’s friends.

Condolences on the loss of your loved Janet. Janet was a foundation member of the Zonta Club of Oamaru which is where I met her. I was appreciative of her commitment to the formation of the Zonta Club, the energy and enthusiasm she put into the club which in turn helped to make the world a better place for women and girls. Janet will have left many happy memories in the lives of those she has touched, especially family, Thank you Janet.