Murder victim ‘kind and gentle lady’

Colleagues of the 57-year-old Tauranga woman killed in Judea last week are mourning the loss of a “very kind and gentle lady”.

Robyn Anne Prole, also known as Robyn Phipps, was found dead outside a Bell Street property in Judea on Friday afternoon.

Robyn Prole was a treasured member of staff at Brookfield School for the past 12 years.

A post-mortem examination on Monday found she died as a result of stab wounds.

Robyn’s husband, 64-year-old Tauranga builder Rex Leverett John Prole, is charged with her murder.

Robyn worked part-time as a teacher aide at Brookfield School for the last 12 years.

Brookfield School principal Robert Hyndman says the school is mourning the loss of a “kind, generous and gentle woman”.

“It’s a tragic event. It’s a very sad day and there were some tears among the staff naturally, because Robyn was much loved.

“She never had a bad word to say about anyone really.”

At the school Robyn worked with ESOL students and as a result Robert says she was well-known and much loved in the local Indian community.

“She formed quite strong relationships with them,” says Robert.

Robert says the school is having a remembrance service for Robyn on Wednesday.

Robyn leaves behind a 28-year-old son Alex Phipps and a stepson, who both live in Auckland.

Alex wrote on his Facebook page:

“Wish I was able to tell all of you all in person but unfortunately that’s not an easy task. My mother has just recently died, those of you who I have been in contact with thank you so much for your on-going support.”

Robyn’s husband – who she is believed to have separated from prior to her death – remains in custody while a psychiatric report is carried out to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.

He appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday charged with murder and was remanded to reappear on August 6.

A funeral service for Robyn will be held on Thursday, July 26 followed by private cremation/burial.