Worker's ashes buried in foundations of new supermarket build

A South Island supermarket has placed the ashes of a long-serving staff member into the foundations of its new store.

New World Stoke said Dianne Hodson, who worked as its freezer manager for 30 years, was "the heart of the team" and had left a lasting impression on staff and customers alike.

With the blessing of her family, a small portion of her ashes — along with her 30-year service badge — was placed where the store’s new freezer section would stand.

"It's a deeply meaningful way for her to remain a part of the place she gave so much of her life to," the supermarket said in a Facebook post.

Supermarket owner-operator Brendon Rae said Hodson was the "life of the party" and was deeply dedicated to her role.

"From a professional standpoint, she was extremely passionate and dedicated… she worked here for 30 years and actually started on work experience," he told 1News.

"She biked to work every single day, whether it was rain, hail or shine, from Richmond to Stoke."

Rae said Hodson was widely known in the community for her warmth and humour.

"She was one of the most loyal and caring people you’ve ever met, she had a cheeky sense of humour and just loved to bring joy to the team," he said.

"She was one of those people that would always stop and have a chat with a customer. At Christmas time she loved dressing up and handing out ice blocks to kids."

Hodson died late last year from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

Rae said the idea had been discussed with Hodson before she died and later agreed to by her family.

"It was such a sad situation, she'd committed so much of her life to the store, 30 years is a long time for anybody.

“As we’re rebuilding the store, it was really sad she wasn’t going to be part of that moving forward, so for us, it was a really nice way to honour her. Now she’ll always be part of that journey ahead."

New World Stoke is currently undergoing a staged redevelopment on the same site.

Staff and the wider community strongly supported the tribute, Rae said.

The supermarket is also planning a similar tribute for another long-serving staff member, Julie Schofield, who died just six weeks before Hodson after 15 years as the store’s loss prevention manager.

With her family’s permission, some of Schofield’s ashes will be placed in the entranceway of the new store later this year.

"We thought it was only right that she’d continue to watch people come and go from the store."

The deaths of both women brought the team together, he said.

"I was amazed at how well everyone supported each other and brought us even closer together while we navigated that very emotional time," he said.

Hodson’s ashes were placed beneath the store earlier this month, while Schofield’s will be placed during construction in October.

“As we build the future of our store, it feels only right that they were forever a part of it.”