Maker: Liz Parsons

Panel number: 268

Petition sheet number: 322

Person honouring: S. [Sarah] Kennedy

Relationship to maker: Husband’s great-great-grandmother

This panel is dedicated to descendants of Sarah Kennedy known by the maker. They were pioneers of their own style. Sarah lived a full life – her descendants can only hope to emulate her spirit and fortitude.

Sarah Cameron was born in Kilmallie, Inverness-shire, Scotland in May 1841 to Catherine McMillan and Dougall Cameron. Her mother died two years later.

A typewritten note in family history documents says Sarah left her native land in 1858 with her father, his second wife Mary, and her three brothers John, Angus, and Alexander, together with the family of Mr and Mrs Angus Kennedy, the parents of her future husband John.

Both families landed in Victoria, Australia and resided there for a short time. 

In 1860, Sarah married John Kennedy and left Australia for Nelson – with her own and her husband’s families.

They moved to the Big Bush (Grovetown, Marlborough); Sarah and John had 12 children. In 1885, they signed up as members of the Salvation Army.

Sarah remained in Grovetown area until her death in October 1917.

When she died, it was noted that Marlborough had lost one of its oldest and most respected citizens. Five sons and six daughters survived her: John (San Francisco), Malcom (with the forces in Egypt), Donald (Palmerston North), Angus and Charles (Grovetown); Margaret Hodson (Blenheim), Catherine McIsaac (Renwick), Sarah Iremonger (Wellington), Mrs F Southgate (Kakanui), Ella Robinson (Rapaura), and Olive Phipps (Grovetown). 

Sarah also left 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Panel materials: Pink fabric, lace, turquoise and purple flowers, satin from bridesmaids’ dresses. Taken and returned from Scotland for use in this panel. Gold brocade fabric stitched in a turquoise outline, Katie McKenzie’s wedding dress. Gold daisy, hand sewn, from maker’s wedding dress. Other materials from maker’s stash.