Frances Hallford, Takapuna’s longest-living Life Member, has died peacefully at her home in Auckland, aged 91.
She leaves behind decades of service to the club, serving as junior secretary, committee member, delegate to the regional football association and team manager.
Such was her dedication, she would also line mark Taharoto Park #2 with a manual marker full of black creosote on a Friday afternoon, ensuring the pitch was up to standard for weekend games.
Frances Hallford began her association with Takapuna AFC in 1965 when she registered her eldest son, Les, to play junior football when the club was established at Onewa Domain, Northcote.
Two more Hallford children joined the club, and football became a main focus for their parents, Frances and husband Albie.
Frances joined the club’s executive committee in 1968 and served as the junior secretary for ten years when the club had more than 700 players, making it the largest junior club in Auckland at the time.
For five years, she served as the club’s junior representative at the Auckland Football Association (AFA) meetings held fortnightly at the Newmarket Park headquarters.
With Albie coaching, and Frances acting as team manager, the Hallfords guided three U-15 Auckland rep teams between 1979 and 1981.
These teams produced some outstanding players, notably full New Zealand internationals Fred de Jong and Darren McClennan.
‘She was a beloved figure in our community’
In the early 1980s, Frances Hallford was granted Life Membership of the club in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication.
She continued to attend home games till the 2023 season, offering vocal encouragement from her chair on top of the hill overlooking Taharoto Park’s #1 pitch.
In their social media tribute to her, Takapuna said: “Frances was not only a dedicated member of our football club but also a beloved figure in our community. Her passion for the sport and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on all of us, and she will be dearly missed.”
The club said that to many, Frances was affectionately known as “Grumpy’s Mum”, a reference to her son, Wayne “Grumpy” Hallford who was the club’s president for 13 years before stepping down in late 2023.
Takapuna have invited club members and supporters to join them at the funeral service which will be held at North Shore Memorial Park Chapel, Schnapper Rock Road Albany on Saturday January 20, at 11am.
Frances Eveline Hallford (1932 — 2023)
The following notice has appeared in the NZ Herald:
HALLFORD, Frances Eveline (nee Rowley). Passed away very peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday 12th January 2024. Cherished wife of the late Albie. Loving Mother and Mother in-law to Leslie, Wayne and Kim, Leonie and Dean. Loved dearly by her Grandchildren Jacqueline, Ashleigh, Bradley, Daniel, Stacey and their partners Dan, Cameron and her Great Grandchildren Milena and Sophie. A service to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Chapel, Schnapper Rock Road Albany on Saturday 20th January at 11am. Our heartfelt thanks for the loving care and support of the staff of Ward 11 at North Shore Hospital and St John Ambulance staff. Forever loved. Forever missed. Always in our hearts.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
