Elizabeth Annie Mabey

The name Benge comes from Old German Berenge (bear killer). Berenger was one of the 12 thanes of Charlemagne. They crossed the channel with the Normans. Other variations are Benger, Bellenger

Elizabeth Annie (Lizzie) Benge was born on 6 June 1868 in Mangaroa, Upper Hutt, Wellington, eldest child of Rose Anne (Annie) nee Wilkins (1851-1933) and John Benge (1841-1906). Elizabeth’s father was a sawyer in the Collins Creek Sawmill at Te Marua, Upper Hutt and later owned the Mill after the death of his father David Benge. Elizabeth had six brothers and three sisters. She was a foundation pupil of Te Marua School, and then attended Mangaroa School from June 1879-April 1884.

St John's Church, Trentham, Upper Hutt was the venue for her marriage to Job Charles Mabey on 19 June 1889. They had seven children: Rachel (1890-1925), George (1892-1970), Rosie (1894-1895), Blanche (1897-1989), Grace (1900-1973), Jean (1904-1980) and Beth (1908-2008). Job and Elizabeth farmed on Mabey Road, Taita; the land that Job was born on in 1858. They donated the land on which Taita (Avalon) Hall was built. Job is described as a genuine 'character', something of a living local legend in George Kaye Remembers… articles in The Hutt News.

Elizabeth was a foundation member of the Taita Methodist Church and her contribution to the spiritual life and fellowship of the Church was said to be incalculable. Job died at their home on 18 May 1952 aged 93 years, and Elizabeth died ten years later on 6 November 1962 aged 94 years. They are both buried in the cemetery surrounding Christ Church, Taita.