Betty Leonie Durrant (3 Jul 1930 - 2 Sep 2019)

In loving memory of Betty Leonie Durrant who sadly passed away on 2nd September 2019 Aged 89 years.
Betty Leonie Durrant

Betty was born in Beeston to her parents Mary and Jack Lucas, on the 3rd July 1930. She was one of eight children.
Betty attended local schools. At the age of 14 she went to work at Boots the Chemist in the offices. She was a very good shorthand typist. During this time, Betty met a young gentleman called Clifford. The war was on during the time and Cliff cycled from Sneinton to Beeston to make arrangements to meet her to celebrate VE day. During his National Service, after the war,Cliff wrote to Betty every day.

The happy couple were married on the 11th August 1951 at Beeston Church. It rained all day and the car broke down that was taking the bride, so she was late for her own wedding!

Betty and Cliff became the loving parents of their two daughters, Sue and Anne and the family settled at Sherwood. Betty was a stay at home mum for a while, before getting a job as a school secretary at Seely school in Sherwood. She absolutely loved her job and the independence it gave her. Betty also learnt to drive. She had a little green mini that you often had to push down the hill to start it! One of the Heads she worked for, Linda, said how supportive and hard-working Betty was and Rosie the Deputy described her as a ‘another mum’ to her.

In later years, her family grew with the addition of grandchildren; Claire, David, Eddie, Richard and Laurie, each of whom have their own fond memories, including the sleepovers at their grandparents in Gedling.

When Betty and Cliff retired, they loved going away caravanning. They would often be away and meet up with extended family. They thoroughly enjoyed their travels. Their daughters and grandchildren joined them on occasion too. The Lakes was a favourite place to visit.

Betty’s beloved husband Clifford sadly passed in 2007. Great grandson Samuel was born the day after the funeral. Betty moved from Gedling to Aston On Trent shortly afterwards. She has seen Samuel from being a little baby through to growing up. Mommar Betty was incredibly close to Samuel. She had a new life and did so well being much closer to some of her family.

Betty loved walking and she was out nearly every day. She enjoyed reading and playing cards on a Thursday too. The family joked that she was a gambler. She also liked the coffee mornings and joined in with the activities at Mulberry Way, remembered for her fondness for washing up and her easy company. Betty loved her gardening and feeding the birds. Her flowers gave her much pleasure.

Above all else, her family was everything. You could never go out for a meal and pay for it. Betty was quiet and very unassuming. In Aston, Betty was very independent and didn’t want to be any trouble to anyone. She was popular amongst the residents of Mulberry Way and would help everyone she could. She liked to be helpful.

Even at 80, Betty’s character shone through. stamping through puddles, playing football with Samuel, and wondering why her legs ached!

Betty was always thinking of others. She was content with her lot and not one to complain; tolerant and even tempered. Betty never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had a good sense of humour and liked a laugh, even laughing at herself. She really was lovely.

Having enjoyed good health all of her life. Betty was angry to have to go to hospital at the age of 88. Everyone in the hospital loved her, patients and staff alike. In Betty’s own words “I’m 89 and I’ve had a good life.” She hated the thought she was upsetting anyone by her illness- unselfish to the end.