Family, along with countless friends, community members and the Papakura Rotary Club turned out in force—both in person and online—to bid a beautiful farewell to Vicki Jones. It was a day of heartfelt remembrance for an outstanding lady who truly lived a full and fulfilling life, one defined by unwavering service and deep connection.

The exceptional attendance at the service was a powerful testament to just how many people Vicki touched in her life. The outpouring of grief and gratitude spoke volumes about her ability to make a meaningful difference, whether as a dedicated School Nurse, a nurturing 'Camp Mum' at RYLA, or our club's ever-reliable First Aider/Nurse at local events.

Members of the Papakura Rotary Club came to honour a woman who was the very embodiment of "Service Above Self," earning her a well-deserved Paul Harris Fellow plus 1 (PHF+1). The reflections shared highlighted her remarkable reach, from packing food parcels for the Salvation Army to pioneering international missions like vaccinating for PolioPlus in India and assisting communities in Tonga.

Vicki had a special niche within our Rotary family—a blend of fierce competence and gentle compassion that made her indispensable. She leaves behind a legacy of action, love for youth, and a profound dedication to humanitarian causes, both locally and globally.

While the sadness of her passing remains heavy, the funeral served as a beautiful celebration of a life well-lived. Vicki’s light shone brightly, and the warmth of that light will continue. The Rotary Club and all who knew her will miss her greatly, but her spirit of extraordinary service will continue to inspire us for years to come.