Anna Rachel Devos (13 Feb 1970 - 26 Sep 2017)

Born in Hillingdon Hospital, Anna shared her early life with her older sister Sam while growing up in Swanley. She attended schools locally and w her Mum says that she was always mischievous, even at that early age - when Anna was older this extended to lots of time spent bunking off school and even at one time having a secret job in the bakery section at Asda’s - making sure that someone was always on the lookout for family, so she could hide behind the bread, should anyone come in.

We also remember that even when she was young, Anna always seemed to have lots of friends around her, one special one at that time was Joanne. Despite that, Anna managed to stay on for her A-Levels, and even though she hid the results she obtained employment with Price Waterhouse Coopers in their training department. It was a really good job and it was also here that Anna would meet Andy - even though he thought they were all a bit snooty, after a Christmas Party, they would start to share more of their life together.

In time, Anna and Andy’s family would grow with the birth of children; Victoria in 1997, Rosie in 1998, Ewan in 2000 and Macy in 2004. The family home was in Bexley and there are lots of memories of the time shared together there. Remembering in particular the annual holiday in Spain and the time spent working in the local shop, where Anna was of course loved and liked by many.

Then in 2013, in fact the 15th February of that year, Anna would meet Ken at the local club and a new chapter in her life would begin - especially the wonderful times together and at Broadstairs with the beach and Ice Cream - happy memories I hope of happy times.

But even though it is important to remember all the things that Anna did in her life, our focus is on celebrating all those qualities and attributes that made Anna into that very special person you would all come to know and love. So, you don’t need anyone to tell you that Anna loved a party and enjoyed the odd drink - any opportunity or any excuse to turn her house into party central and Anna was there - not forgetting the moustache and bearded lady party - as one example.
A crazy, generous, loving, caring and kind person, who used her popularity to bring people together and never, ever forgot a birthday or anniversary. Cheeky, rude, but with a heart of gold, Anna was a selfless person, who put others first, especially her children, family and those that she loved.

Anna lit up the space around her, with positive light.
Whilst her passing has tripped a switch,
Anna would want us to re-set,
To enjoy love, friendship and life
a formula she lived by day to day.

And there in those words is an important message - live our lives as Anna would want us to and she will be with us on our own journey - for when you live in the hearts of those that you love, you never die.