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I left school after the Intermediate Certificate and followed a stint in a dress shop with a Secretarial course, ending up in the public service where I worked for the next few years. I married Robert Lee (Bodgie) and our first child was born in December 1970. Two more children followed over the next five years, Robert and Tamara.
I was a working mother with various career choices (I worked to suit my family life) until my divorce in 1997.
I chose to move to New Zealand at the end of November 1999, and my life changed completely. It was and sometimes continues to be a challenging time. Various events led me to become a Grief Facilitator with the Beginning Experience (a grief workshop that has been in NZ for 30 years) for three years, and undertake my Diploma in Grief Studies over the following year. This has given me the title of Companion in Grief in a field that I love, strange as it may seem. This year I intend training in Seasons for Growth – a grief programme for children, and starting my Certificate in Celebrant Studies.
I am presently employed with Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua, an Iwi Consortium, in Whangarei. I work between my home in Hamilton where I can work in peace, and the office in Whangarei where it is all go. I am an Employment Services Advisor and have been with them for 18 months. It has been both an exciting and challenging time.
I have three wonderful adult tamariki (children), and four beautiful mokapuna (grandchildren). My life has been interesting, challenging and rewarding, and I wouldn’t change a moment of it. The next 10 (20, 30?) years are going to be just as wonderful!
I look forward to seeing you all at the reunion!
Kathleen Lee