Goodbye

She was a dear lady.   Born in 1927 she didn't have an easy life.   She left school early, as working class children all did in those days, and worked in various jobs, all of them hard work.    After marriage she had five children but in order to make ends meet she also took on various menial jobs - as anyone living in those days knows life was not easy.

Her two passions were singing and dancing - and she did one or both at every opportunity. Sadly her husband died quite young, but at least her children were grown up by this time.   She continued to work hard and after fifteen years or so she met J, and together they made a life for themselves, going abroad at every opportunity so that she grew to love her holidays - Australia, Europe - J says that as soon as she had unpacked her case she would say, 'where are we going next?'

I only knew her for the last couple of years when
she came with J to sing with us once a month at the Alzheimer's Society singalong to our ukuleles.
By golly, could she sing.   All the old favourites from the twenties, thirties and forties she sang - enjoying every minute.   She might not have been able to recognise and name her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren any more but she hadn't forgotten those songs.   For yes, she developed Alzheimers.

Today friend W and I, along with other friends from the Group of helpers, went to her funeral.  There was a good turnout.   She would have been pleased.   And I think we sang the two hymns well enough for her too.   Now she is at peace.   J will miss her - as will her family - but she has had a good life .  And gradually J will pick up the pieces and carry on, just as she would wish him too.
So rest in peace D - we shall remember you for the character you were.