Sandra Bell (Passed away 18 Aug 2015)

In loving memory of Sandra Bell who passed away on 18th August. Welcome to everyone who have gathered today to remember and celebrate the life of Sandra Bell.  The family thank each and everyone of you for being here especially those who have travelled a distance.

Born in 1945 in Brighton where she grew up, Sandra was the only child to Fred and Gladys Aldridge. Her father worked as an electrical tester but was a steward in the Navy during the war.  Sandra's mother Gladys worked in a biscuit factory but also did her bit for the war effort and later worked in a laundry. 

Sandra was a difficult child because she disliked school, especially maths lessons and often played truant with her best friend. She hated PE so she persuaded her mother to write sick notes for the teacher so she didn't have to do it.  But Sandra always knew she wanted to be a hairdresser when she left school.  In fact she asked for dolls as presents so she could practice cutting their hair in different styles.

Leaving school early Sandra trained as a hairdresser in Jacks in Brighton.  She then worked at Susan Anne's hairdressers.  In those days they were very particular about how hairdressers looked.  Hair, make-up and clothes had to be perfect at all times.  As a result of this training Sandra would never leave the house unless she looked just right.

Sandra met John at the Court School of Dancing in Brighton at 17 where they both learnt to ballroom dance. The school had a rule that said you couldn't refuse someone if they asked you to dance and this was helpful to John knowing that Sandra couldn't refuse as he was quite shy.  John then asked Sandra out on a date but she wasn't keen at first until she discovered John was about to date another girl then she asked him out.

Sandra also loved ice skating and was very active throughout her life.  In fact so active that with the hairdressing, ballroom dancing and ice skating she unfortunately ended up with a hip replacement later in life, but that didn't stop Sandra from enjoying life to the full. 

John and Sandra dated for 5 years and married in 1967 when they decided to move to Swindon where there would be more work opportunities.  John was a gardener but managed with the help of friends to change career and train as a computer programmer in WH Smith.  Sandra worked at Chartz hairdressers for a while but then moved to Jacqueline Lea hairdressers at Cavendish Square, now called Haircare, where she stayed throughout her working life.  Over the 45 years she worked there, she made many friends and had many regular customers for over 30 years.

With the birth of daughter Lisa in 1968 and son Darren in 1971, Sandra made more friends at the baby weigh in clinic.  These friends are here today and have been very important to Sandra throughout her life when times have been difficult.  They have supported each another with childcare and in other ways when family have been too far away to help.

Sandra was a homemaker and a stickler for cleanliness, tidiness, and routine.   She took pride in the home and always made it look nice. She was caring and  always there for family and friends when needed. She loved company and everyone was welcomed into the home at any time of day with cups of tea and cake or biscuits with a good chat to put the world to rights.  Although, if she wasn't dressed or hair and make-up wasn't done, you were pointed in the direction of the kettle! 

Sandra loved her grandchildren dearly and looked after Daniel and Lauren part-time until they attended senior school.  She never asked for anything in return and saw this as a pleasure.  This filled a big part of her life and she enjoyed taking them out to many places.  Sandra was the glue that kept the family together, organising gatherings at Bank Holidays, Easter and Christmas.  Her heart always shone through and captured the spirit of Christmas which to Sandra was about giving gifts and being with family.  She loved getting text messages from family and friends and would often text everyone before breakfast. Patience was her downfall as the texts were sometimes mistakenly sent to the wrong people. Sandra loved receiving cards from family and friends and enjoyed looking at photos of family gatherings and celebrations with friends.
 
A big fan of TV soaps, reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity and X factor and period  dramas like Downton Abbey, Sandra also liked listening to the music of Abba and Take That.  She enjoyed the challenge of winning at Scrabble and doing cross word puzzles and the odd game of cards.  As a competitive scrabble player there was no point in trying to cheat!

Sandra always said people are people, no matter what they look like or what their  circumstances are.  Everyone is special and should be treated fairly.  She was a thoughtful, caring and unselfish person who will be sadly missed by all her family and friends but never forgotten.

Quote from Sandra's husband John :-

“Getting married to Sandra was the best thing that ever happened to me. She was my best friend, my lover, my y was waking up to find her by my side and the best part of each night was going to sleep knowing she was next to me.  I don't need to convince any of you that she was special because being here today tells me she has touched all of your lives. I'll miss my Sandra terribly.”

Quote from Sandra's daughter Lisa :-

The greatest memories of my mum will be how hard working she was, how much she cared and listened and that she was always there for me.  When good things happen they won't feel quite the same because I won't be able to share them with her but I shall cherish all the good memories she helped to create.  I couldn't have asked for a more loving mum and I shall miss her every day.