Isey Cross. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Isey Cross, who died on Sunday aged 106, with her son and caregiver James Cross. Photo: Supplied / Florian Habicht
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 and Isey Cross. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Scene from the 2021 movie documentary James & Isey, featuring Isey Cross and her son/caregiver James. Photo: Supplied / Florian Habicht
Son Gavin Cross said Isey died at home just after noon on Sunday, peacefully and surrounded by family.
She was not ill and was not on any medication.
"It was just father time," he said.
Gavin Cross said his mother had been in Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa for nine days in September due to low blood pressure.
However, when she was discharged she perked up so thoroughly, the whānau thought she might reach her 107th birthday in six months' time.
She would be farewelled at Ngāti Manu Marae in Karetu, east of Kawakawa, later this week.
Gavin Cross said she would be buried at the nearby urupā with her husband, Charles, who died in 2001.
She is survived by three of her five children and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Matiu Walters, lead singer of the band Six60.
Scene from the 2021 movie documentary James & Isey, featuring Isey Cross and her son/caregiver James. Photo: Supplied / Florian Habicht
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