Rennie Neasey-O’Connell
I have been fascinated with funerals even as a small child. But it wasn’t until my second son died (of SIDS) that I began to read material about the grieving process, to understand this terrible journey. Out of this grew the desire to be a funeral director who had a first-hand, in-depth understanding of the pain bereaved people face, and provide excellent service while showing compassion.

I have trained in Melbourne with the Australian College of Funeral Service (operated by the Australian Funeral Directors Association), completed a course in  Mortuary Reconstruction, and have worked in the funeral industry for the past ten years, and during that time have arranged, directed, conducted thousands of funerals. I am excited about the future of Parkside, as I believe we offer a unique service, in the most beautiful location possible, as well as gentle, compassionate care.
 

Gerald O’Connell
I’ve been involved at Parkside for the past five years. An engraver by profession, I take care of the more practical aspects of funeral tasks. I have taken the major responsibility for the mortuary work, undergoing training locally and on the mainland. I find it incredibly rewarding to prepare a deceased person for viewing and hear the family express their gratitude for a beautiful ‘memory picture’ they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. A perfectionist by nature, I believe in carrying out every task with dedication to excellence. And nowhere is this more necessary, than in funeral work. Along with my wife, Rennie, I never lose sight of the fact that every funeral service, along with the care of every deceased person is an honour.
 

Sally and Pieter Kapinga
We’ve been involved at Parkside for the past three years, and love funeral work. Sally plays a major role in assisting Gerald in the mortuary, also proud of the work she does in providing a wonderful memory for each family, when they come to view their loved one. Sally also heads up our catering team, providing refreshments after funerals. Pieter enjoys his role as a funeral assistant and driver, and along with Sally shares some of the on-call work of a weekend and after hours.
 

Sally, Melissa and Amy

Amy Good
I am mostly employed in the office, taking phone calls, preparing hymn-sheets, remembrance books and much of the paperwork that needs to be completed for each funeral. I also process plaque orders, and prepare the ‘powerpoint’ (audio-visual) presentations we use in our chapel. I really enjoy the work I do at Parkside, and find it really rewarding to help people who have lost someone they love.
 

Melissa Kapinga
I’ve been helping out at Parkside for the past year assisting with catering for refreshments after the funeral. Catering can be really tiring work, yet I find it an honour to be able to work behind the scenes preparing food for our families and their friends and relatives. I feel that funeral work is such special work, and I feel privileged to be able to help in my own way.
 

Ester Quilliam
I’ve lived in the Circular Head area most of my life. I know the people in our close knit community, and a couple of years ago I was invited to join the staff of Parkside Funerals, as their representative in our area. Most people in our area like to deal with a local person, and I am always honoured to be asked to assist the family in planning a funeral for someone they love. And of course I have the support of a professional team who conduct the funeral on the day.

Please don’t hesitate to call me if I can support your family, discuss any pre-arranged funeral options with you, or help you plan a funeral for someone you love. Phone (03) 6452 2081 or (03) 6433 4010    Mobile   0407 645 220
 

Lynne Williscroft
Along with my husband Stuart, I’ve been involved in handling funeral arrangements for our local Queenstown and West Coast families for many, many years. Most people in our communities prefer to deal with a local person. It seems easier, somehow, to deal with someone who is familiar.   It’s always a privilege to be of assistance to a bereaved family should they have need of me. And I like to offer that all-important support after the funeral has taken place. I also assist people in pre-planning a funeral, and again it’s an honour. Surprisingly, it is not as difficult as it might seem, and most people feel a great sense of relief in knowing that their wishes will be taken care of.

I also can assist you with the ordering of a plaque for the grave of your loved one, so please feel free to contact me, I’d be happy to help anyone in need.   Phone/Fax    (03) 6471 2900 or (03) 6433 4010