Alison passed away on 29 April 2020 at Wairarapa Hospital aged 81 years. She was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1997 for her services to the community and in 2015 awarded the Older Person of the Year Award for her huge involvement in the community and charity work.

Alison was the wardrobe coordinator for the Royal New Zealand Ballet for 32 years from 1970 to 2002. She was included in their honours board of distinguished alumni  - people who have made a lasting contribution to the RNZB and to the arts in Aotearoa.

In retirement the community became her challenge.  She was President of the Carterton District Historical Society and a member of the Iris Society.  In 2011, along with a team of helpers, organised a Harvest Hooray where much of the produce was donated to Carterton's foodbank.  Alison also raised money for the Carterton Events Centre Trust, making and selling jams, pickles and chutneys - she sold more than 1,000 jars of jams and preserves.  

She has been with many organisations over the years assisting with the South End School reading programme and preparing and delivering food to the elderly, those who were sick and to families who suffered loss.  When the Carterton balloon accident happened, Alison cooked everything she had in her fridge, piled the food into the boot of her car and took it to the crash scene for the emergency workers.  "I couldn't help the victims but I could feed the people there helping them."  

Alison went 'above and beyond' for others and will be sadly missed by her family and community.