Click here to view Mary's obituary

chris walters lit a candle

09/08/2015

Laura Kennedy-Rankin posted a picture

John and Mary on the Isle of Man Trip

25/07/2015

Laura Kennedy-Rankin posted a picture

John & Mary on the Fairy Bridge - Isle of May trip

25/07/2015

Kirsty Walters wrote

Hi Laura - thanks for your lovely email Laura.

The presence of Diana and Simon at the service and reception was hugley appreciated so John does not need to feel too sorry aside from the fact that I am sure he would have loved to have been there to see mum off. It was very lovely service with an emotional beautiful poem written and read by Kirsty (handicapped by a torn muscle in her leg from playing netball) and of course Simon' reading.

When mum was attending the day centre many years ago she met a man called Ted and they became very close. Ted used to sing to mum over the phone almost every day and they were friends for some years during a period when mum sorely needed a friend. And Ted never let her down.

One of the songs that Ted sang to mum was Frank Sinatra's My Way. Ted recorded this and presented it to mum on a CD. This scratched and worn CD was played at the service. It was a hugely moving rendition from Ted which hardly left a dry eye in the house. What is more, unbeknown to us, Ted's daughter Sandie attended the service and she was not aware that she would be hearing her dad's singing voice. Out of the blue there it was, her dad's voice from the grave singing to mum. She could not contain her grief but she said afterwards how moved and proud she felt.

The music played at the service was:

Jerusalem - as the coffin was carried into the church

Teds' My Way - part way through the service.

Abide with Me - part way through the service.

Vera Lynn's We'll meet again - as the coffin was being lowered at the end of the service

Eleanor Rigby - as we were leaving the church.

We must all of us thank Chris who gave his love and attention to mum through the last difficult years and did so much ground work for the funeral. Thank you Chris.

To the budding film director Ross and the beautiful Stacey - thank you for being around.

And to mum - with love always.

Ian

xx

25/07/2015

Kirsty Walters wrote

It’s true that grieve for a while we may
And here today shed a tear or two.
On others we’ll stop along the way
And feel the pain of losing you.

But strength we find in a life well spent.
In the love that you gathered and outlived.
And smile to think that now you are content
To see at last all the friends you’re with.

From one generation to another I’m here to say
Rest now, Nan. Close your eyes. It’s Okay.
Let ache nor pain fall on mind or limb
And in heaven forever may you sing, may you sing.