Eileen Adelaide Purton (25 Nov 1928 - 19 May 2016)

The following reflects the relationship between Mum and Dad.
An Anniversary card from Albert read:-

I married the woman of my dreams
an angel in disguise
A vision of beauty and kindness
standing right before my eyes
I’ve been in seventh heaven
from the first day until now
Darling let me tell you why
let me tell you how
The love I’ve known has felt like being
wrapped in angel wings
Your gentle ways and kisses
and all of those loving things
I know that we are blessed
to share the love and bonds we do
My sweetheart and my wife
who is like an angel too

Your Everloving Husband

Eileen, Mother in law and Friend would give you her last penny, such was her generosity. She was a lovely Nan to both grandchildren and was over the moon at the birth of her granddaughter (the first girl in the family for a number of years) as she was allowed to buy dresses and all sorts of “girly” things. Stubbornness was a trait she shared with Purtons and Parhams to the end. I most remember her laugh which could become infectious as it turned to fits of giggles. Will always be remembered and loved.

Eulogy given by Suzanne Purton

Eileen Adelaide Purton

Daughter, sister, Cousin, Aunt, Wife, Mother
Grandmother and Great Grandmother!
….and our friend.

Eileen is described by everyone that knew her as ‘’the best’’ of whatever particular role she played in their lives.

She cared, she loved, and most of all she laughed. She laughed a lot!

Trying to find a word that describes everything that she was….is…. has taken me sometime to conclude. However, I feel the word ‘’Zest’’ best encapsulates my Nan.

She had pure zest for life.

She never took anything or anyone for granted…

She was always respectful and proud and always had a ready smile that was filled with warmth and joy.

She lit up everyone’s lives and she was the life and soul of the party - and I hope that today we can do her proud by remembering and celebrating her wonderful life.

**********************

Nan loved telling stories! We have all enjoyed them throughout the years, and laughed along while she recalled her mishaps and shenanigans.

Sadly, her sister Ellen was unable to attend today due to her own poor health, but I am pleased to be able to tell you all a few stories passed on from Ellen.

When Eileen was a little girl, before the war, she was in a dancing troupe and she loved to go on stage. She was always confident and would give anything a go.

Eileen then learnt to play the piano and she was a natural. She’d play all the old classic East End sing-a-long songs – and quite often the dog would join in !

Ellen recalls one Friday evening after their shift at the Tate’s factory, they went into the picture palace at Manor Park. This was just after the war and everyone was getting back to normal.

During the interval a man asked if anyone would like to entertain. Eileen and her friend Alice put their hands straight up in the air. Eileen took to the piano while Alice sang. Everyone clapped and cheered. ‘’I was so proud of my sister’’.
During the war, Eileen and Ellen’s Mother was an air raid shelter warden. One day the sirens went off and they all followed the protocol and ran across the park towards the shelter. It was a very foggy day and Eileen spotted some German troops. She raised the alarm as they dived into the shelter causing blind panic. After a closer inspection the German troops turned out to be 4 white cows – she never lived that down.

Ellen’s final story is from the time that they sisters were evacuated to Radstock.

The local children told them about an enchanted secret woodland soon after they arrived. Intrigue got the better of them and they went exploring with some other children. To get to the secret woodland they needed to cross a river by stepping stones. They found the enchanted woodland and it was as magical as they imagined – the mission had been worth it.

On the way back however, Eileen lost her footing on the stepping stones and fell into the river giving out a shriek. She was soaking wet, and then the moment became even funnier when a boy who tried to rescue her also fell in.

Soaking wet and muddy from walking across the fields, when they returned it was Ellen who got into trouble – for allowing it to happen. Ellen was sent to bed without any supper.

Eileen, having a heart of gold, snuck some of her own food up to Ellen later that night – this is just a snippet of Eileen’s heartfelt kindness.

Ellen said, ‘’She was my friend and my sister, she was one of the best’’.

**********************

My Nan, Eileen….She loved life.

She also loved animals – and she had more pets than anyone I know!
Most of us have been called a random pet name at one time or another.

One of Nan’s quirks was her inability to get her words out correctly.
She had her own vocabulary;

‘Marks and spencer’ would be ‘’Marks and Spars’’
‘Historical houses’ became ‘’hysterical houses’’ and
‘Pheasants’ became ‘’peasants’’ (or the other way round)

If you were to give my Nan a lemon, and ask her to say ‘aluminium’ you had a comedy sketch right there!
She loved food – especially her Chinese, chocolate balls and her recent obsession of Yum Yums. She even tried her first pizza at the grand age of 85 years old! …and she liked it.


Most of all, Eileen loved her family above everything else and especially my Grandad, her Albert.

Eileen and Albert met at a fairground and it was love at first sight for them both.

They actually met on the Ariel swings when Albert cheekily twisted the ropes on Eileen’s swing making her turn and wobble. He obviously made a great first impression as by the end of a fun day he asked to see her again, and of course she said ‘yes’.

They went on to date, get engaged, get married and have a family. It was the sort of love that is everlasting – a rarity these days and I am certain that their souls have now reunited. I believe that when we look at the stars tonight, that the twinkliest and brightest star shining will be them telling us all here today that they have found each other, that their hearts are once again entwined and that they are finally at peace.

God Bless
Sweet dreams
xx

I was like part of your family being Roberts mate, have lots of happy memories.
God bless Eileen, sleep peacefully
With love Martin, Carol & family

Mrs Eileen Purton, a lady that could light up a room with her smile and infectious laugh.

Her generosity knew no bounds towards family and friends and that includes our four legged animal friends. Her tales of yester year would captivate and have you rolling around in laughter.
Thank you for accepting me into your family with warmth and kindness. You gave so much to so many and your lasting gift to me was Rob - Thank you.
You will be greatly missed Eileen but your memory will live on with all of us.
Goodnight, God bless and say hello to Albert for me.
Love...Maria xxxx

God bless eileen will always remember you for being a lovely and kind lady x

I've got literally thousands of great memories of my nan. As a child, visiting nan and grandad was always something to look forward to.
Nan was always happy to see us, and always spoiled us rotten. Hearing stories about her childhood was amazing, and it never got old.
I can only imagine how amazing the roses are that grandad's been growing while waiting for you to be together again. Give him a hug and kiss from me nan.
XXXXXXX

There are no words for the numbness we feel at this time. The reality hasn't hit yet as my brain is full of happy memories that are keeping you alive. Your smile, your laugh... That's what I see and hear.
Next week we will say goodbye properly and celebrate your amazing life.
Missing you and loving you
Suzanne and Alexander
Xxx
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