Rhoda Lucy (Sparrow) Pease (1869 - 1937)

Born 29 Jun 1869 in Takaka, Tasman, Nelson, New Zealand

Ancestors

Died 24 May 1937 at age 67 in Hawera, Taranaki, New Zealand

Biography

Rhoda was born in 1869. She is the daughter of Eric Sparrow and Lucy Hailes.

Rhoda was born in 1870. She passed away in 1937.

• Fact: Burial (25 May 1937) Hawera Cemtery, Taranaki, New Zealand (Episcopalian, New Plot ID 3264 Blk VIII Row, Old Plot No 15)
• Fact: Probate (1937) New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
• Fact: Occupation School Teacher - Sunnyside School
• Fact: http://familysearch.org/v1/LifeSketch Rhoda Lucy Sparrow was born on the 29 June 1869 at Takaka, Nelson the daughter of Eric and Lucy Sparrow nee Hailes. She spent the early years of her life at the home of Rev and Mrs C Jennings at Wakefield, 18 miles from Nelson. Sunnyside School was established over the main road from Eric and Lucy's residence in 1887. Rhoda who was 18 years was the first teacher. Rhoda conducted the choir in the East Takaka church for seven years before she married Joseph Pease. Upon her marriage to Joseph Frederick Pease she came to Taranaki where her husband owned farm property on the South Road at Hawera. Upon the death of Mr Pease in 1911 she moved to a residence on Manawapou Road, this home later becoming famous for its beautiful gardens and lawns.

Rhoda's hobbies were confined to her garden, and apart from that, her main interests in life centred round St Mary's Anglican Church, of which she was staunch supporter.

No worthy charitable object that came under her notice was passed by without being enriched by her donation. Public access to the Waihi Beach (Denby Road) was made possible by the generous gift of land by Rhoda in August 1922. Again in 1935 she gave further land to give improved access to the Beach Reserve and planted many roses in the car park area, many of which are still surviving.

In 1924, a small band of enthusiasts decided to make a park in a rough piece of ground to the southeast of High Street. Rhoda Pease made a large donation to this, and at the end of 1924, an unveiling ceremony took place at what is now Naumai Park.

Rhoda Pease was also well known for her broad-mind and tolerant outlook on life. She died on 24 May 1937 aged 68 years and is buried at Hawera cemetery.

• Fact: Religion Episcopalian

Sources

• N.Z. BIRTHS - 1869/21730 - Sparrow Rhode Lucy - parents : Lucy M F W A & Eric
• "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 27 April 2020, 20:46), entry for Rhoda Lucy Sparrow (PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:LVZB-XMW ); contributed by various users.
• Marriage REg 1897/1979 Joseph Frederick Pease

Death REg 1937/26655