Susan WATKINSON (26 Aug 1947 - 24 Apr 2017)

In loving memory of Susan WATKINSON who sadly passed away on 24th April 2017

JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW,THERE IS NO FORMAL WAKE AFTER THE FUNERAL,JUST A PINT AT THE RUSHLEY AFTER.SOME PEOPLE HAVE A LONG WAY TO TRAVEL THERE AND BACK,AND OTHERS HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN TO SORT OUT ETC.

ALSO ALTHOUGH NOT ESSENTIAL,MUM LOVED BLUE,SO YOU MAY WISH TO WEAR SOMETHING BLUE?,A TIE,A SHIRT,DRESS ETC?,BUT AGAIN THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL.THANKS.

In counting the days which have meaning in our lives, the 26th of August 1947, was a day with significance for everyone here today, for it was the day that Susan, Pickering -as she was then – was welcomed into the world by her mum, Rose.

Susan -or Sue as she is also known to many- was born and raised in Hucknall, and she was one of three children in the family, including her brother Allen and sister Julie.

In the years that followed, Susan’s life moved on over many chapters, familiar to most of us as we leave our younger years behind and face the challenges that our adult life sometimes brings... Some chapters that she brightly remembered, and others that have now long faded. ...But it was the early part of the sixties that would bring a turning point in Sue’s life, when she began her family with the birth of her daughter, Janette… …Then in the later sixties, Susan would welcome the birth of her daughter Diane and son Shaun, and in the early seventies, Sue would complete her family with the arrivals of her daughter Tracey and son Karl.

Sue worked mainly in cooking, catering and cleaning for one or two local schools and firms over a number of years, and, still managed to raise her children and keep her house in immaculate order.

When relaxing at home, Sue enjoyed watching animal, nature and wildlife programs on TV, or listening to some of her old music favourites, which as we mentioned a moment ago, always included Johnny Mathis as she was a big, big fan of his. …And Sue also got to see Johnny Mathis live in concert some years ago, and often said her dream would be just to be left alone with him so he could sing to her personally.

And over these many chapters, we are also remembered in many ways by those who know and love us. ...And Sue will be especially remembered for her broad sense of humour, and for her kindness and willingness to help others wherever she could, and for her strength of character, which, even when she faced serious health conditions, she still remained bright and positive throughout. On three separate occasions Sue fought and overcame these conditions, and at a later time remarked to her family – “I’ve faced that battle and survived, I am that soldier!”