Elizabeth Margaret Rose Pursall (7 Mar 1937 - 9 Mar 2020)
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Elizabeth Margaret RoseAlzheimer's Research UK
In loving memory of Elizabeth Margaret Rose Pursall who sadly passed away on 9th March 2020
Elizabeth Pursall Obituary
7th March 1937 - 9th March 2020
Elizabeth Margeret Rose Beecroft was born on the 7th March 1937. Born, the daughter of Agnes and Cyril Beecroft and sister to Harry Beecroft. their parents were green grocers and lived in the village of Spital, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Elizabeth lived in the family home up until she left at a young age to pursue her dreams in dance.There were many childhood memories, spent in their home and the family shop, especially eating sweets. Elizabeth, even at a young age was no stranger to mischief, often hiding to miss the school bus so that her father would have to drive her in the car.
Elizabeth was inspired from being a young girl to become a ballet dancer. Her ambitions were realised when she became a truly dedicated student at Brenda Blakesley dancing school in Chesterfield, where she was partnered with Vincent Logan who remained her friend for many years after. Her dance teacher Audrey Lock saw her early talents and encouraged her to pursue dance as a career. Elizabeth was awarded a scholarship to a top ballet school in London and left home at the tender age of 16 to begin her life in the world of Ballet .
Whilst at the ballet school she was taught by Mona Inglesby, who had also been a student of the Ballet Rambert. Gillian Lynne, a well known choreographer in London (working on many famous musicals including Cats and West Side Story) became a mentor for Elizabeth who personally took an interest in her and gave her coaching before she was accepted into the Sadler’s Wells Ballet .
Elizabeth’s life was now in London were she shared her fondest and happiest memories while studying and performing to professional audiences. She would enjoy telling anyone and everyone who would want to listen about these special times. Especially about living in ‘South Kensington Darling.’
During Elizabeth’s career, she was part of the ensemble for the Welsh Opera Ballet Company . Later she went on to dance in the famous Fol de Rols which toured all over the country with many famous stars of the time, including Harry Seecomb and the Beverly Sisters. Elizabeth said that this was one of the most fulfilling and fun times of her life and spoke endlessly of the wonderful people that she met along the way. One of Elizabeth’s accolades was being invited to perform for the Royal Command Performance at The Palladium alongside Leslie Crowther, amongst many other achievements in the dance world. As well as being outstanding in her field she was also a very accomplished tap dancer, which she was very proud of.
Later on in Elizabeth’s career, she met and married Tony Pursall. They settled down in South Kensington and gave birth to their wonderful daughter Hannah. Although, Elizabeth continued with her dancing career for as long as possible, she decided to later retire from performing after parting ways with her husband. Elizabeth later moved to Ealing where she became a Civil Servant for the London Borough of Ealing and devoted the rest of her time to being a full time single mother. She had a very rewarding career in this field for many years. Whilst living in Ealing, Elizabeth met her long time partner of several years, Victor. They shared many holidays, family occasions and happy memories with one another. Victor, as we could all guess did most of the cooking, but always with a joke and and a “ did I ever tell you the story “ intro. Elizabeth would always wave aside his jokes but he was her and Hannah’s rock, until his unfortunate passing.
The next and most important chapter of Elizabeth’s life was her daughter Hannah meeting her devoted partner and husband Jim and being blessed with two amazing Grandchildren, Charlie and Lily. Elizabeth was always a hands on Grandmother, enjoying spending all of her free time and caring for them. Elizabeth made her second home in Cornwall, where Hannah made her life for the children to grow up in. She was never happier than when she was with them.
Elizabeth’s roots were still always back in Chesterfield, Derbyshire where she spent most Christmas days with her brother Harry while he was still alive and never missed a good family do. For many years after she would spend most holidays staying with her cousin Susan and the family in Rufford, Nottinghamshire. A family reunion on Boxing Day was a special tradition where she would meet up with Peter, Karen, Jeanne, Leanne and Stacey in their favourite place, Chatsworth. Elizabeth was famous for arriving at 2am-3am in the morning on Christmas day and was still able to be the life and soul of the party. Up until the last couple of years she could could still do the splits. Much to everyone’s amazement .
Cousins Michael, Phillip and Josie were never far from her thoughts. Josie fondly remembers their summer holidays together and despite-childhood rivalry’s they were very close. Philip and Elizabeth were close in age and spent many happy times together. Michael was dear to her heart, and remained so until the end. They shared many a sing song and happy childhood memories of Christmas party’s in Spital. Theresa recalls wonderful holidays with Elizabeth, Hannah and her grandchildren in France, long walks through the vineyard and picking Walnuts. Elizabeth’s basket was always full first .
Jane (Elizabeth’s Godchild) and Susan, remember the many great times while living around the corner from Elizabeth in London , they all travelled and moved away but
Elizabeth shared and enjoyed many holiday with them both in Spain, America and Vancouver. Elizabeth loved walking and being at one with nature. She loved dogs and animals. While she was still able to, she still never failed to walk the famous Toby Ted every single day. One of her favourite hobbies was travelling, she went to many destinations around the world, often joined by her best friend Paula.
When Elizabeth moved to Wokingham, Berkshire it became the haven for all the family for 35 years. Many garden party’s were held here, with Elizabeth who never cooked , (but saved recipes from every magazine on the planet). Serving up Marks & Spencer’s very special recipes, everyone was welcome but the kitchen was yours.
Elizabeth remained a devoted Mother and Grandmother, until tragically her daughter Hannah, passed away after a long battle with Cancer. This devastated Elizabeth and subsequently her health deteriorated. Fortunately, her close friends, Pauline and Rob, from her younger days in London, who also lived in Wokingham, spent many hours helping Elizabeth in many ways but especially with the house and her garden.
As Elizabeth was starting to get older and it was clear to the family that she was not coping alone, it was better for her to go and stay with her family. Elizabeth’s cousin Joanna and her husband Rupert offered for her to live with them in Lincoln. Elizabeth and Joanna had always been close from Joanna being a little girl.
It was sadly, later discovered, that Elizabeth had developed Alzheimer’s disease. Although throughout her time being diagnosed with this illness, remained to be the larger than life character that she always was. In Lincoln, Elizabeth made many friends, become close with neighbours and continued to have many family gatherings whilst drinking her famous Prosecco.
Until her last breath, Elizabeth enjoyed each and every day as if it were her last, always up for a party, going out on adventures, making new friends and enticing people with her infectious personality, smile and storytelling. Her favourite place to visit (obviously with a glass of Champagne) became Branston Hall overlooking the lake and the English Countryside which is where she will be peacefully laid to rest in the church.
Elizabeth remained a Loving and devoted Grandmother up until the end.
Rest In Peace Darling!
Due to the unprecedented times that we are facing a memorial service / celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please leave your email (if possible) to be contacted about these arrangements in the future.
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