Margaret Farry-Williams - A beautiful woman inside and out.

By now you will probably know that Margaret Farry-Williams passed away on Saturday October 15. For as long as I can remember I have known Margaret. I can think of many adjectives to describe her like, dignified, generous, distinguished, loyal, devoted, passionate and many more, but they all fall well short of capturing her essence.

Her name was synonymous with fashion in Dunedin for over fifty years and more latterly in Auckland where her daughters Lisa and Tara now continue the work of Vanity Walk, the Model & Talent Agency started by Margaret in the 1960’s. 

She was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021. Such an honour is appropriate recognition for her lifetime work for services to the fashion industry and the support she has given to charitable organisations over many years.

Her many achievements and industry recognition were very much secondary to the most important focus in her life, family. Margaret didn’t keep good health in the latter years, but her devoted husband of 57 years Tom and her 3 doting daughters Lisa, Jami and Tara shrouded her in love, caring for her every need. She passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. 

In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem titled Success, there is a line that says, “to know even one life breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded”. Margaret’s existence helped thousands of lives breathe easier through her work and her support of many charities. 

We have lost an icon, a stalwart of our community, and the most beautiful soul.  Our lives are all blessed and brighter for having known you.  You will be forever missed, Marg.

God rest her soul and let perpetual light shine on her.

With deepest sympathy on behalf of the committee of the Cedars of Lebanon Club (Inc) Dunedin.

Richard Joseph QSM, JP

President - Cedars of Lebanon Club, Dunedin