BURRELL; Barbara May

Barbara May BURRELL

Barbara’s life was an ultramarathon, but after 18 months of repeated laps of honour, she passed away peacefully, at home in Blenheim, on 19 July 2026, aged 91 years, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in the Potteries, England, Barbara lived a life filled with music, teaching, adventure and faith. A gifted pianist, devoted teacher, loving wife to the late Jack and, for more than 20 wonderful years, beloved wife of Ian, she embraced life in New Zealand with characteristic enthusiasm, making treasured friends on the West Coast and in Blenheim.

Much-loved Mum of Lyndie and Buzz, adored grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara leaves a legacy of kindness, wisdom, organisation, gentle spontaneity, and an enduring love of music.

We like to imagine that she is now reunited with Jack, her parents and sisters, and granddaughter Poppy —although St Peter may first insist on one more performance of Flight of the Bumblebee.

Messages to c/o Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.

A celebration of Barbara’s remarkable life will be held at Elim Church, Blenheim, on Saturday 22 August at 2 pm, followed by a private cremation.

Locally Family Owned

CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES  BLENHEIM  F.D.A.N.Z.  Tel 03 5782004  www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz