Paula Coutts (23 Jul 1944 - 24 Feb 2023)

In loving memory of Paula Coutts who passed away suddenly on 24th February 2023

Paula Margaret Coutts 1944-2023

Paula Margaret Coutts (Nee Spindler) of Storrington, West Sussex passed away suddenly on February 24th, 2023, aged 78, with family at her side.

She was born to Arthur John Spindler and Yvonne Margaret Emiline Vincent in Westmeston, East Sussex on 23rd July 1944, as Yvonne and her own mother Nellie Megson, had both been evacuated from Norbury. Her Uncle Peter was born a week later, and due to their similarity in ages they grew up more like twins than uncle and niece.

Paula loved to dance and had an exceptional talent for ballet, she aspired to be a professional ballerina, practicing for years to gain a coveted audition for the Royal Ballet. Paula was one of the last two dancers, and was proud to have danced for Dame Margot Fonteyn, but was eliminated for a faulty arabesque!

Paula met Len Coutts in April 1963 and they were married in September 1967, celebrating 55 years last September, they lived together in Streatham before moving to Storrington in the early 1970s where they have been based ever since. Paula is survived by loving husband Len, their daughter Alexandra, son-in-law James, grandchildren Amelia and William, of Danville, California, and son Peter and daughter-in-law Ellie, of Cootham, West Sussex. Also, sister Helen (John) Allenden, niece Caroline, sister-in-law Patricia Westmoreland, nephew Nigel and niece Vivian. And grand-dogs Jasper, Malachy & Wellington, who will miss the endless supply of biscuits.

Paula was immensely proud of her family and loved nothing better than having everyone together and feeding them. No one could visit her home without being fed or at least taking a food parcel home. She was happiest enjoying the company of family and the extensive group of friends she and Len had made during their lives together. Paula had a talent for keeping in touch with friends near and far, from Canada and South Africa, to her dear neighbours of the Palmer Close Posse, whose 50 years of friendship made her life full and memorable.

Everyone who knew Paula also knew that she loved politics and especially political arguments. She has a comprehensive collection of letters to and from various prime ministers and spent many a happy evening watching Question Time or PMQs. Her famous recipe for Chicken Diva even made it into the Conservative Party Cookbook!

A lady of impeccable dress sense and always perfect lipstick, Paula was a great and loving character who will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Paula’s funeral service will be held on Monday 27th March 2023 at 2pm, St Mary's Church, Thakeham, all are welcome. Close family will attend a private cremation service, and then a wake will be held at Joanna's Boutique Tearoom in Storrington from 3.15pm.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Crohn’s & Colitis UK (crohnsandcolitis.org.uk), in memory of Paula www.justgiving.com/PaulaMCoutts .