Full Breakdown
New World Stoke Embeds Late Employees' Ashes in New Store as Tribute
5/21/2026, 12:28:41 AM
Memorial Plan for Dianne Hodson and Julie Schofield
New World Stoke, a supermarket in Stoke, New Zealand, placed a small cylinder of former freezer manager Dianne Hodson’s ashes in the foundation of its new building. With family permission, the store also intends to embed loss-prevention manager Julie Schofield’s ashes in the entrance when construction is completed.
Background: Recent Employee Losses
Hodson, a long-standing freezer manager, died earlier this year. Six weeks before her death, loss-prevention manager Schofield also passed away. Both women had been valued members of the store team, known to colleagues; Dianne was also known to regular shoppers. Their sudden loss prompted store leadership to seek a permanent, shared tribute.
Timeline of Ash Placement
- ~6 weeks before Hodson’s death: Julie Schofield passed away.
- Shortly after: Dianne Hodson passed away.
- Two weeks ago: Hodson’s ashes placed in the store’s foundation.
- October (construction phase): Schofield’s ashes to be positioned at the front entrance.
Significance for Staff and Community
Embedding the ashes links the employees’ legacy to the physical structure, offering staff a tangible reminder of their contributions and giving the local community a visible way to honour the women’s contributions over the years.
Official Store Statements
The supermarket announced on social media that the memorial is “a deeply meaningful way for her to remain a part of the place she gave so much of her life to.” Management said it consulted both families, received their blessing, and invited the public to remember the employees’ “incredible contribution” to the New World Stoke family.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition to the ash-embedding plan has been reported in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had actually asked Dianne about the idea before she passed away, when she was unwell,” — Rae, Store Manager
- “We spoke to the family about honouring Dianne, and we came up with the idea of actually placing some of Dianne’s ashes in the foundation of our new building,” — Rae, Store Manager
- “We figured it was only right that Julie’s ashes are placed in the entranceway of the new store so that she can watch people as they come and go from the store,” — Rae, Store Manager
- “As we build the future of our store, it feels only right that Dianne is forever a part of it,” — New World Stoke social-media post
Upcoming Installation
The store expects to install Schofield’s ashes in the entrance during October’s construction phase, completing the dual tribute before the new supermarket opens to shoppers.
