Gillian Brame, who passed away in October 2023, was a remarkable woman whose lifelong contributions have left a lasting impact. Her legacy continues to inspire through a generous $2 million bequest to medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Born in China in 1942 to missionary parents, Jill’s life was shaped by resilience and a commitment to helping others. After navigating turbulent times and travelling though India and England then settling in New Zealand, with a lot of time spent in Samoa, she became a dedicated and caring teacher.
Her teaching career included roles at Baradene College, Rutherford High School, and Kelston Girls’ High School where she connected with students from diverse backgrounds thanks to her extensive life experiences and unique personality.
Her friend, Charmaine Pountney, describes her as a “magical teacher” and says, “Jill’s wide range of reading, experience of different cultures, and her own sensitivity, eccentricity and wry sense of humour enabled her to relate to a wide variety of students.”
Jill was naturally creative throughout her life, writing and illustrating letters, cards, poetry, cartoons, paintings and short stories. In 1987 she won the Air NZ Short Story competition with “Some Days After,” which she described as “her own escape plan if she needed one after a nuclear explosion.”
Jill was also known for being nurturing. Close friend Jessie McArthur recalls how Jill often supported those in need, offering financial help without expecting repayment. She also had a deep affection for animals, especially cats and rabbits, which shared her Mount Eden home.
In retirement, Jill remained engaged with different cultures. She was involved with a Korean church, using her teaching skills to assist with Bible studies, effectively teaching English as a second language. This reflected her ongoing passion for learning and connecting with others.
Thanks to her very significant $2 million gift, MSF’s mission to provide medical care to those affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare is well supported and reflects Jill’s commitment to helping those in need.
Chair of MSF New Zealand, Matthew Reid emphasised his gratitude for the generosity of such gifts, which enable the organisation to deliver its essential work.
“As an impartial and independent organisation, MSF does not receive funding from the New Zealand or Australia governments so relies heavily on donations from the community.
Jill’s gift ensures MSF remains independent and ready to deliver humanitarian medical aid today, tomorrow and always.”
In 2023, more than 69,000 MSF staff responded to crises, including conflicts, disasters, disease outbreaks and exclusion from healthcare, in more than 70 countries. In the same year, generous support from Australian and New Zealand donors supported work in 34 of those countries.
MSF’s activities in Palestine, Yemen and Niger were the top-supported by Australians and New Zealanders, including surgical and wound care, maternal and child health, nutrition, and mental healthcare.
Jill’s story is a reminder of the lasting impact one person can have. Her bequest to MSF ensures that her desire to help others continues and makes a tangible difference in the lives of many.
MSF is grateful for her generous gift and encourages others to consider leaving a gift in their will to charities after taking care of their loved ones. Reid noted that contributions were invaluable and that Jill’s substantial bequest to MSF was a wonderful continuation of her legacy.
If you would like to learn more about this way of giving, please reach out to MSF’s Gifts in Wills team on 0508 633 324 or via email gifts.wills@nz.msf.org
