Rita Chard (17 Feb 1935 - 9 Apr 2022)

In loving memory of Rita Chard who sadly passed away on 9th April 2022

Mum led a happy, full life. She was always happy, practical and positive and that’s how we’d like to remember her today. Happy and positive.

Mum wasn’t a material girl, she cared about friends and family. She loved those around her and was loved in return. She was incredibly generous and always put other people before herself.

Rita was born in London, met Ron, married, had Jenny and moved to Istead Rise in Kent. I was born soon after, Jenny was the angel; me less so but she loved us both equally. We had a happy childhood and mum was always there giving her all to make sure we had everything we wanted.

Jenny met Robin; Robin recognised mums wonderful, positive happy demeanour and in a moment of irony named her ‘Grumpy’. The name stuck and in affection we called mum “Grumps” from then on.

Jenny and Robin had boys Richard, Nicholas and Charlie. Ella joined the family and we had girls, Lia and Sofie. Mum loved them all with all her heart.

In Istead Rise she built lasting friendships and some of the siblings are here today. Ron sadly died early and mum moved with her beloved mum ‘Maisy’ to Bognor Regis. I remember them fondly both knitting on the sofa - like the ‘golden girls’, both with a wicked sense of humour, always loving, fun and kind - except when we played cards when they cheated without shame.

In Bognor mum made many friends, bizarrely nearly all with names beginning with ‘J’, there were numerous Jeannes, Joans and Junes. She loved them all.

Mum late in life became less mobile and moved closer to Jenny in Petersfield. Again, she made friends easily and Mary and Kay are with us today.

One of my favourite memories of mum was when I was living in Germany. I had just met Ella; and with literally days to go I rang mum and told her I was bringing Ella back to meet the family for Christmas. We drove through the night and arrived in the middle of night on Christmas morning. As always, the key was under the plant pot and as we opened the door there it was a gift for Ella in the doorway, someone she’d never met.

Mum and Maisy had sprung into action and working through the night had made Ella one of their famous granny knit jumpers. As always it was at least three sizes too big, bent out of shape in places but it was a gift of love and a heartfelt sign that Ella was welcomed into the family with open arms.

And that’s my final thought. Mum had the biggest heart of anyone I know and in-the-end it was her heart that failed her - and that’s because she spent her whole life giving her heart to others, thinking about others before herself. So, inevitably in-the-end there wasn’t enough heart left for her, she’d given it all away.

Rest in peace mum.

Chris & Jenny