Page 13 - br-june-2021

June 2021
OBITUARIES

serves as an example of my Mum’s much-valued work with local
CofE primary schools, in which, both through her visits and her work as
a governor, she played a much loved, valued and integral role in the ethos
and life of the school. She reached out to other members of the community
through initiatives such as lunch clubs and staycations (country/city based
experiences), which are still talked about today. She encouraged and
facilitated collaboration between the different churches in the area to serve
the community. My Mum extended worship beyond the church through
services held in the community; such as holding harvest festival in a local barn,
and numerous services in the D’Uberville Hall. She also organised a very
enjoyable and successful village fete on the glorious August bank holiday
weekend of 2019, which included, family, friends, the church family and of
course, the local community. The outcome of my Mum’s hard work and effort
was the building of a community-focused church in which all were, and
importantly felt, welcome.
My Mum was an inspiration. From a young age she had shown that she was not
prepared to be defined by societal expectations, and this was a principle that
guided her through the rest of her life. I have followed in her footsteps as a
teacher, I hope with a passion and dedication similar to hers. My brother cares
for his Son Harry in the same loving way that my Mum cared for us. She led by
example through her commitment and dedication. It would be fair to say that
my Mum didn’t do half measures, whether it be faith, friends, family…or gin.
She would get up at 4am when completing her training as a priest. In 2010, she
set herself on a health and fitness path that resulted in her losing almost 4 stone
in weight and getting on top of her diabetes.

My Mum was also inspirational through her ministry. Many have commented on
the wonderful and inspiring services she delivered, especially personally
significant occasions such as marriages, christenings and funerals. She
considered the last of these to be a particular privilege to deliver. My brother
and I are amongst those fortunate enough to have had my Mum officiate their
wedding, and she performed Harry’s christening, my grandparent’s golden
wedding anniversary, and the funeral of her father-in-
law and grandmother. My Mum was a wonderful
signer, and used her talent and passion to reinvigorate
the choirs at her last two churches. She inspired,
encouraged and was prepared to challenge others to
pursue their faith and opportunities in the church,
whether directly on a personal level or through faith-
based courses. A good friend of my Mum’s said that
simply being in her presence was enough to inspire
her.

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