Isobel Cotterill (17 May 1934 - 20 Aug 2019)

My memories of Auntie Isobel are of a warm, generous, smart lady always with a lovely smile. RIP
Our thoughts are with all the family.

My dear family. My deepest condolences to my cousins and the entire family. As i look back at the pictures from when our parents were kids I am struck by the beauty of this family. As cousins we were so lucky to spend wonderful times together. Auntie Isobel was such a talented person and will be missed dearly. So proud and privileged that she was my auntie. 🌷🌷

Isobel was my sister. When first I heard about Isobel passing on my thoughts went straight back to our early years. Today I can probably lay claim to having known Isobel longer than anybody still here. She was 3 when I arrived.
In the dim and distance past, if I told someone that my sisters name was Isobel they quite often came back with the remark, “Is a bell necessary on a bicycle”. I was 6 years old, hadn’t a clue what they were talking about and didn’t understand the joke. She was 9.
Some of those early years were spent in Potters Bar, just north of London and I remember we shared a lot in those early years. Not least of all some nightly visits to the air raid shelter during the war where we would spend the night, sharing a bed and waiting for the all clear siren. I don’t think we were frightened, just bewildered. We went to street parties together and Christmas parties, put on by the Fire Service. We went to see bonfires, which seem to appear from nowhere, on VE and VJ nights. Dad took us up to London to see the victory parades.
One Christmas we actually shared a Christmas present. A 2 wheel bicycle which we took turns in trying to ride.
Just post war we used to go to the Saturday Morning pictures in Southgate and we both belong to the Saturday morning club. Even then Isobel showed a promising Artistic talent. I remember them holding a drawing competition for all club members. We had to draw a horse. We both handed in an entry and a week after the results were judged, on display outside the cinema in a glass display cabinet. Isobel’s entry was there, at the top of the cabinet, with First Prize written alongside the picture. I don’t know if the picture still exists.
Eventually there were 5 siblings and I’m sure the other 3 would agree with me that Isobel was certainly the brightest of the bunch. The only one of us who successfully passed the eleven plus exam, and then go Grammar school.
We never lost touch and I don’t remember us ever having a cross word. I could say much more about Isobel but suffice to say I will miss her.

I was very sad to hear about aunty Isobel passing away. Although I didn’t see Aunty Isobel very often, the times I did, I have some fond memories of her soft nature and smile. RIP and much love sent to Diane, Jennie and Maria xx

My whole childhood involves your mum with Di in one way or another. One of my memories is that always if I was at yours or Di was at mine, when we headed home in the evening our mums would take us to the end of the footpath through to Kimberley and we would shout when we met our respective mum at the other end 😂 aww 🥰 those were the days xx

My 'big sister' Although we didn't see each other very often I do have very fond memories of some holidays together, always good fun. Her memory will always be here in the wonderful needle point she did (especially the dragons) We will miss you RIP xx

I haven't seen Auntie Isobel for many years or Diane, Jennie or Maria. But I do send my love to everyone and wanted to make a donation in her memory x