Opening it, she found a letter from him, expressing his gratitude to her.
"You taught me that love doesn’t have to come with a price", the letter read.
"You show me that daily life should be captured and not feared."
An art educator, Hunia Dean died just before his 50th birthday on September 4, 2018.
"It gave me faith I did the right thing and did help him, even though he took his own life."
She was inspired to illustrate a book based on the letter and in memory of her husband, a "highly talented, thoughtful and intelligent" man.
"Suicide is like grieving but at full volume.
"I needed something to help with the healing."
Since July last year, Ms Field and 16-year-old daughter Olive had worked for countless hours on illustrating the book.
"If I got paid by the hour I’d be a millionaire."
A feeling of relief came with seeing the first copies printed last week.
"I was so consumed with it for such a long time, it’s good to finally have it done.
"I hope it will bring awareness to the issue, if it helps people I’ll be very happy."
Ms Field gave copies of the book to Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust to sell and keep the proceeds.
Need help?
Healthline: 0800611-116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800543-354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508828-865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800726-666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800787-797
General mental health inquiries: 0800443-366
The Depression Helpline: 0800111-757
Homecare Medical: 24-hour 1737 free text/phone
Youthline: 0800376-633, txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800942-8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 080054-3754 (0800kidsline)
