Auntie Bett RIP

We gathered earlier near Lichfield for my "Auntie Bett's" funeral, and this was one of the photographs that had been put on the wall, to inspire memories. My Mum was lucky enough to have a large and very close family, and over the years the four sisters (my Mother mother Maud, Ila, Muriel and Betty) were the glue that kept us all together, exemplars of a value system that we all hold dear. Gatherings would be arranged from time to time, people pulled together and stories told, although sadly this time one voice was missing.

This photo shows Bett with her husband Norman, at ease on a beach somewhere in glorious colour. The way it should be. The service at Streetly Crematorium was really touching, Martin delivering a funny and empassioned overview of her life through the eyes of her immediate family.

After the gathering in Litchfield I took David Hughes (Ila's only son) back to his son's house, and was able to share stories about Norman, Betty, Ila and Charles's life as we drove down the Birmingham Road passing their old boozing haunts (now the Toby Carvery, Shenstone), and street (Smarts Avenue, Shenstone) where they had lived, and their children John, Martin, and Elizabeth born.

I shall sign off with Martin's words in summing up her life "Mum's contribution to the happiness and success of her family and friends was enormous and she will be greatly missed. God bless you Mum for all those lovely memories..."