Age just a number as Connie

Takapuna resident Connie Trewern was New Zealand’s second-oldest person when she died aged 109 last month. She was also likely the oldest person to have survived Covid-19.

But she was much more than remarkably long-lived, being an engaging personality who captivated those who met her.

Her full life included starting her own fashion label and proving a sharp businesswoman. A keen and knowledgeable follower of the horses, she had several races named in her honour, most recently for a 102nd-birthday outing at Alexandra Park. She was the oldest person in the country to hold a TAB account.

Family want her remembered for more than her age.

Daughter Sandy described her mother

– who lived with her for 37 years, mostly in Takapuna – as having a quirky wit and a sharp mind.

She kept visitors on their toes, including the Observer at her 107th birthday, when she put her longevity down to expecting to live forever.

Connie remained active and alert until her last weeks, which were without pain. She followed the news and enjoyed the word game Lingo and The Chase on television, along with determinedly exercising her limbs daily, to maintain mobility, using a walker and while seated.

She also had a great voice and sang daily. One of her caregivers sang at her funeral, a fitting tribute given she had helped teach the Korean woman songs to aid her vocabulary. These included cheeky old English standards.

The farewell was held at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Milford, with lawyer Alex Whitten-Hannah delivering the eulogy and Monsignor David Tonks taking