Obituary Notices
Geraldine Mary Scott
It was with great sadness we learned of the death of our Immediate Past National President who died unexpectedly on June 24th. Â
Geraldine joined Catholic Women’s League in 1958. She was the first Diocesan President of the Hamilton Diocese when it was formed in 1980.  Geraldine was appointed to the Commission for the Laity by Bishop Edward Gaines from 1981 to 1992 and was a Bishop’s representative on the Sacred Heart College Board of Trustees.  She was also a member of the Diocesan Justice, Peace and Development Commission for some years from the early 1980s.
Geraldine’s academic achievements included a BA Degree in Philosophy and a B.Soc.Science Degree in Sociology and Politics including Maori language studies.
Geraldine had a long association with National Council of Women serving as a branch president in Huntly, a vice president for the Hamilton branch and elected to the National Board of NCW from 1994-1996.  She was a faithful member of the Business and Professional Women’s organization for many years.
Warranted as a Justice of the Peace in 1981 Geraldine soon became what we term a “Sitting Justice” where she sat on the judicial bench in Huntly. This lead to her successful application to become one of New Zealand’s first Community Magistrates in 1998 presiding in the Hamilton and Huntly District Courts for over 5 years before her retirement in 2003 after which she continued to function as a Visiting Justice at the Waikeria Prison until 2005.
Geraldine was National President of the Catholic Women’s League of New Zealand from 2002 – 2006.   She was one of a kind – a bright, intelligent, delightful person who brought joy and humour into a great many peoples’ lives and she will be sadly missed.
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