Putting a name on Polly Mary's grave
We are fundraising to purchase Polly Mary a headstone so that she is no longer lying in an unmarked grave.
Auckland
Polly Mary is the Wahine toa of the da Silva family.
The first in our matriarchal line to arrive in New Zealand in 1875. She was fifteen years old, alone, of Pacific origin (likely to be Kirabati) and destined to NZ for the purpose of work. Polly Mary arrived with no heritage, a borrowed name and incredible courage. She lived the majority of her life on Great Barrier Island raising ten children in isolated and austere circumstances. Her children were celebrated wood chopping champions, soldiers, nurses and caregivers - she clearly did something right in the Russian roulette of parenting. Throughout her life her real name has been elusive, and in death, this too has eluded her.
She died in 1918 of Influenza and has laid in an unmarked grave at Waikaraka cemetery. It is time to acknowledge the importance that she holds to all descendants of the da Silva family.
We are raising funds to buy Polly Mary a headstone so that all who pass, know where she lays and know her name.
Kimberley da Silva's involvement (page creator)
Polly Mary is my great, great grandmother, a woman who lived simply, in primitive conditions from unknown origins, but who clearly raised her children to be humble and resourceful with a pride of who they were.
Use of funds
Purchase a headstone. If we don't raise the full amount - we will use what we've raised to simply put her name on her grave, or if that's not possible a crafted cross with her name engraved.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
One question has been asked already. Check it out and ask yours here.Any concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.