Marie Greene: Woman found dead in roof cavity of cottage hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, daughter recalls moving last call
HAWKEY’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND: A grieving daughter has remembered her mother as “a wonderful cook and baker” after she lost her life in cyclone Gabrielle. Marie Greene was living in Puketapu, which is situated in Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand's North Island when the disaster hit.
Marie’s daughter Rachel Greene spoke to her over the phone on Monday night, February 13, and advised her to not leave her house since the natural calamity was about to hit the region. The mother-daughter duo ended the call by telling “I love you” to each other.
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When the disaster hit
Within 12 hours of the phone call, the Tutaekuri River’s banks broke, resulting in heavy flooding, which swept away many houses including Marie’s, as per reports. Her daughter Rachel, who lives in Wellington, tried every method to get information about her 59-year-old mother but nothing worked.
On Friday, February 17, however, the 22-year-old received the most horrifying call, which told her that her mother has died. Marie’s body was reportedly discovered by her landlord’s son in her house’s roof cavity. Her daughter told Stuff, “I want everyone to know what an amazing person she was and how loved she was.”
‘One of the most generous people’
Calling Marie “a wonderful cook and baker,” Rachel shared, “She’s one of the most generous people you’d ever meet. She had the sort of personality that everyone gravitated towards. She was an all-round people person who loved being with her friends and family.”
The young woman also took to Facebook to share the unfortunate news. She added, “It with an extremely heavy heart that I have to inform u all of my beautiful mum’s passing and of narlas passing. Thank u to all of u for all ur support during this very tough time we will get through this together.”
Rachel’s post attracted a lot of condolence messages from other users as one of them commented, “I'm so so sorry x for your loss, I had heard yr video request, and my heart aches knowing that this has happened. Much love and prayers to you xoxo.” Another user wrote, “Rachel your Mum was so proud of you. I recognise her from the supermarket and you were the light of her life. RIP beautiful lady. Her kind soul came through in every conversation I had with her. Xoxo.”
“I am soo saddened to hear this news of you beautiful mum Aunty Ree and Narla. Your mum was such a kind caring and loving lady who has always been there for me and my family, all my love and prayers go out to you Love you heaps Rachel xxx,” the third one said and the fourth one added, “My heart goes out to you Rachel with the loss of your beautiful mum and your baby Nala..RIP Marie.”
‘The impact is significant’
Meanwhile, it has been said that nine people, including Marie and a toddler, have died due to the disaster. On February 14, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins stated, “Cyclone Gabrielle is the most significant weather event New Zealand has seen in this century. The severity and the damage that we are seeing have not been experienced in a generation. We are still building a picture of the effects of the cyclone as it continues to unfold. But what we do know is the impact is significant and it is widespread,” as reported by The Guardian.
The leader also added, “It will take us a while to get a handle on exactly what’s happened. A lot of families displaced, a lot of homes without power, extensive damage done across the country.”
