Recently I came across an Obituary for Katie Hansen. I had to smile when I read it as it was headed up Plenty to Celebrate – this obituary was written by Katie herself, with the assistance of fellow celebrant Rosemary Tredgold. I smiled because that is Celebrants for you, we always want to do things ourselves!
Katie died late July, after a period of illness. She had been in Little River for about six years and was recognised in the community for her many talents. She wrote for The Akaroa Mail and enjoyed meeting and talking with people in the older age group. A valuable project was where she had been recording many older people on video.
Katie Hansen had been a Registered Marriage Celebrant, performing over 150 weddings, funerals and blessings, baby naming, and she had also done sacred ceremonies.
I enjoyed reading her recount of a special ceremony and I am sure she would not mind that I repeat it here.
“A memorable themed wedding where with a helicopter ride to Skippers Canyon where, dressed in robes, she married a couple dressed in the costumes from The Lord of The Rings.
The groom wore 40 kilograms of chain and they had an Elvish blessing. For this she was given a replica sword bearing runic symbols.
I love the description of Katie penned by Brigid Lowry a friend.
“Katie is an extraordinary woman of high integrity. She is warm, witty and wise.
A woman with a big heart and a huge generosity of spirit she has a rare depth of honest and compassion, and a joyful love of life which touches all those with whom she comes in contact.”
Without a doubt, Katie was here on a mission.
Extracts: The Akaroa Mail, Friday August 1, 2014 (Page 5) – Obituary – Katie Hansen, Plenty to Celebrate.
I went hunting for some photos and I found these photos with its own tribute message: "Sadly our lovely Kaite passed away on Saturday 26 July 2014. These photos are a small tribute to her love for us all, and her belief in love."
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