Northland centenarian and documentary star Isey Cross of Kawakawa has died, aged 106.
In 2021, a documentary followed the life of Isey Cross and her youngest son and caregiver James Cross as they prepared for her 100th birthday.
When the mother and son attended the world premiere of James and Isey at Auckland’s Civic Theatre in 2021, it was the first time Isey had been to the Civic, or to any movie, since World War II.
The film is the seventh highest grossing New Zealand documentary of all time.
The New Zealand Film Commission has paid tribute to her passing on their social media platform.
“Esteemed elder Isey, we at the NZFC are saddened by the news of your passing,
“We followed & celebrated your longevity in recent years, such a confident and astute woman of her community,
“Join your dear son James and your ancestors,” the post said.
James Cross had died earlier this year, aged 68.
The James & Isey film team has also paid tribute online, marking that Isey Cross had died on October 12 “106 years young,” the post read.
“Rest in peace treasured mother from the north, darling of the silver screen, the oldest fisherwoman ever!” it said.
rnz.co.nz
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