Mum to us was a Wife, Mother and Granny. 
I’d like to share some memories from the family:

From Mum’s Granddaughter Rosie. I am so grateful to have spent 16 years with my wonderful Granny and to have shared such a special bond with her. She has helped shape me into the person I am today and the person I want to be in the future. There was never a dull moment with her and we created many great memories which will stay with me forever. There is so much that I can speak about of the time we spent together but one thing I loved was the fact that she trusted me with her hair! I would brush and style it for he.  She would ask me if it looked OK before going out. In lock down she even asked me to cut her hair in the garden! My granny was an amazing woman and I remember her as being caring, glamorous and full of adventure. I love and miss you very much, we all do.

From Mum’s Granddaughter Ruby. We loved to watch Peppa Pig together and when she came to visit at night she loved holding my hand and singing a song up the stairs!

From Mum’s Grandson Freddie:  I really enjoyed going to Sri Lanka with Granny to go to Priya’s wedding. At Christmas she always gave me the best of presents and I really enjoyed giving granny lots of big hugs!

From Mum’s Son Tom: Mum was an amazing lady, my Idol from such a young age, I always looked up to her. She always had a smile on her face, no matter what. A truly positive and kind person. She was one in a Million and Simply the best. I have lost my Mum and also my best friend. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. At least you’re not in any pain or discomfort now. Love you always, the Angels will look after you now up in Heaven. Your son Tom aka Big T.

Mum was the best Mother Tom and I could have wished for.  She was a very kind and happy person – never any negativity. She was always so supportive, patient and always put others before herself.  When I took up the Cello at the age of 11, I was too embarrassed to take it on the train to school.  Mum offered - or was told by me - to drive the cello to Chichester, where I would then meet her in a quiet car park and do an exchange of the dreaded instrument.  She did that every week for 4 years!

As Marg has mentioned, Mum loved technology.  Her mobile phone was a critical asset which she used prolifically.  Mum loved the convenience of internet shopping and parcels are still arriving at 30 Minton Road!   

Mum was a great communicator who loved keeping in touch via whatever means she could find.  This was very important to her and even until a few hours before she died she was happily sending WhatsApp messages and emails - making an effort to stay in touch with friends and family.  This message was sent the evening before she died to Kat – Scan went well but I am very stiff everywhere.  Kind people.  Do the pots look nice?

Mum and Dad worked hard so we could all benefit from various opportunities.  As a family we had some superb holidays and a lifelong family obsession with airports, planes and travel: from family Birthdays spent plane spotting at Heathrow and Gatwick viewing platforms to globetrotting; there was never a dull moment! Some highlights being: Tom burning his leg in Spain; Mum almost causing us to miss the flight because we couldn’t drag her away from the one arm bandits in Las Vegas departure lounge; setting fire to a caravan in France; bathing with the masses at Varanasee in India;  happy memories from the Middle East to wonderful family holidays in Wales - a place dear to all of us and where we will continue to gather.  Mum always instilled the importance of family and traditions – something Tom and I have learnt from her and both try to emulate.

Mum has always been, but especially lately, upbeat, brave and uncomplaining.  These are key traits of her Mother and many of us can see Granny Hilary in Jill.  This, I know, would be a huge compliment to her.

Dad can’t be here unfortunately, but if he was, he would say how much he loved Mum.  They shared 46 happy, fun years of marriage filled with laughter and adventures.  Dad would also want Tom and I to thank all our friends and family for their support and love over the past few months.  It has been a particularly challenging time for our family.

To close, I’d like everyone to look again at the picture of Mum and Rosie on the front of the Order of Service.  That is how we must all remember Mum – laughing, kind and loving.  She will be dearly missed by us all.