Linda Renee Dorothy Metcalfe (12 Dec 1946 - 18 Apr 2020)

In loving memory of Linda Renee Dorothy Metcalfe who sadly passed away on 18th April 2020.

Mum was born on the 12th December 1946 in Chingford, Waltham Forest - an only child to an adoring mother (our Nan) Jean. Mum's father was not part of her life in those early years but when Nan met her husband Jack , mum finally got the dad she truly deserved.

When she was younger, mum worked as a seamstress at the Stanley Bags handbag factory and later in the bar of the Kineton Army base NAAFI. The base was a true home for mum and her family at the time - they lived in the married quarters assigned to the base and both mum and nan worked in the NAAFI and kitchens, whilst Jack worked as a policemen for the ministry of defence.

It was in the NAAFI bar where mum met our dad Colin after he was transferred to the base. Mum and dad married on 17th July 1971. The early days in Kineton are some of the fondest memories dad has of his life with mum. They spent time visiting neighbouring villages and sites in Warwickshire, enjoying pub lunches and country drives in his VW beetle.

A while after the wedding, dad got posted to Germany and mum of course went with him. Mum and dad raised 3 children during various army postings in Germany - Madelyn, Mark and Michelle (in that order).

Mum was a true homemaker - she gave up work to be a full time mum when children came along. She was at her happiest at home, cooking, cleaning (so much cleaning!) and looking after her children. When we were a little older, we’d gently mock mum by calling her “Mrs Bucket” after the character in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances and how house-proud she was.

After the children moved out, mum continued being a homemaker and enjoyed caring for and spoiling her grandchildren (whilst she was still capable) - Anthony, Corey, Reece, Megan and Lola.

Mum was very close with her mother Jean throughout her life. Whilst nan didn’t live with us, most of our childhood memories include her. The loss of nan affected us all (but particularly mum) terribly. Some comfort for us is knowing that mum is with her now.

Mum's funeral will be held at 11:30 Friday May 15th at the Basildon and Pitsea Crematorium (Bowers Gifford). Unfortunately, the current government restrictions mean the service can only be attended by a small group of close family. However, the service will be available to view online should you wish to feel part of the ceremony - we will update this page once details become available - please check back here or contact Mark, Michelle or Madelyn. Should you wish to pay your respects in person, the carriage will be leaving our parents house at approx 10:45.

We ask that instead of flowers, you make a small contribution to one of the charities listed.