Obituary – Madeleine Holland

Madeleine Holland, who died on Tuesday in her early 80s, was one of North Harbour’s top women’s bowlers, winning 12 centre titles between 1992 and 2011.

 Madeleine started bowls with the Browns Bay women’s club, where one of here first mentors was a later North Harbour life member Margaret Duke, then with the combined club and spent her last few years in the game with Takapuna.

 Her husband, Kevin, a high-ranking police officer, was also prominent in Harbour bowls but more for his administrative skills, for which he was awarded life membership. He, too, was a member of both Browns Bay and Takapuna clubs.

 Originally from South Canterbury and educated as a boarder in Christchurch, Madeleine and Kevin were married for 59 years and before moving north when Kevin was promoted they spent a large part of their lives in Wellington.

 Before joining Takapuna, Madeleine frequently visited Takapuna as a player, having close friendships with many of Takapuna’s members and particularly with Bob Howitt, with whom she played regularly in mixed events and Birthday tournaments.

 One of her 12 centre titles, indeed, was shared with Bob when playing as a composite they won the Harbour mixed pairs championship in the 2007-08 season.

 Another title she cherished was playing with her daughter, Katrina, in the 2009-10 women’s triples championship.

 Madeleine was noted for her accurate draw bowling and her calm manner and for her wise advice to newer players. If one of those playing under her when she was skip apologised for a miscued shot she would always tell her or him to never apologise. “You were trying your best,” she would say.

 Her funeral will be on Saturday at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Milford at 11.30am. May she rest in peace. Condolences to Kevin, Katrina and their family from all bowlers within the North Harbour centre.