Love All Serve All My earliest memory is one I share with Mum and it is a memory of love and protection… Apparently, one minute I was there and in the blink of an eye I had completely disappeared. I had innocently dropped into a very deep, water filled hole whilst bumbling across a field near Nanny and Granddad’s house in Hutton… I was 3 years old. My granddad, Harry, the highly trained Naval seadog who single handedly threw fully grown men overboard in the height of battle was, as Mum recalled that day, USELESS. What I do remember, very clearly, is who came to my rescue that day… that shimmering image of Mum’s face as she peered into that freezing cold watery hole. Then her arm, plunging deep down… that hand of love and protection grabbing me and pulling me out. That gorgeous face, just smiling at me… This was to be the start of my memorable relationship with whom I can only describe as, quite simply, an incredible woman. Its’ a story of a loyal and supportive wife, a loving and empowering mother and Grandmother, and a friend you could truly count on… You know, the type you would go to war with! It was a life long lesson in the power of a positive mental attitude, justice for all, deep compassion and one that centered on her biggest asset… unconditional love. For Mum, family is what’s most important in life. Family was always at the center of every decision Mum (and Dad) ever made… She was utterly selfless in her actions and relentless in her mission to create thee most caring, loving, open and transparent family environment for us and in fact any other child. Dad clearly remembers Mum being happiest when the house was full of other people’s children. The kind of environment that allows you to realize who you are as a person… find yourself and then believe in yourself & your abilities, smash through the mental barriers of fear… Let nothing hold you back. The type of environment that launches you in to your dreams and then equips you with all the tools and attitude you need to make those dreams a reality… Beth and I both recall her telling us time and time again "you can do whatever you want to do - don't let anyone tell you any different." Lewis remembers her as “the woman that was always there” But Ross exemplified this with his most cherished memory of the two of them together. It was the day Mum took him to a fun packed police open day. Ross recalled; “That day was filled with so much laughter, whizzing and sliding around a skid pad in a patrol car together. I can just remember her super happy smile. That day had a lasting impression on Ross. It sparked an interest that shaped his entire education and career path. Mum was so proud of Ross when he’s dream had finally become a reality. The power of her positive mental attitude towards everyone and everything was frankly extra ordinary to witness… Infectious in fact. Nothing would dampen this lady’s spirit. Even after so many disappointments and failures during her ongoing treatment over the last five years, Mum was always the first to bounce back and be upbeat about the future. She never once moaned or showed bitterness towards the unfortunate cards that she had been dealt. Even in Mums last days having been through so many painful and life altering adjustments… She was still seeing the bright side of life… teasing and joking with the Doctors and nurses to their utter amazement! As her tenacity and mental strength grew so did our love and admiration for her. Mum had two passions. Cooking and, of course, the king himself - Elvis Presley. She understood better than most the power of amazing food, cooked with love and passion. The kitchen was her domain and she got her kicks from seeing people’s reaction to her delicious dishes, old and new. She liked nothing more than feeding other people. Between our friends, Mum’s cooking was legendary.… Others tried to compete, but ultimately the question was always, "but is it as good as Jen's?" As Dad put it to me, “Her AGA was her Ferrari!! Her pride and joy and boy, could Mum drive it!” Even when it got to the point where Mum couldn't eat the food she made herself. She still continued to knock out the most amazing food for everyone else to enjoy… Still she wanted to serve her family. Still she served with that trademark smile… Now you take all that… EVERYTHING I just said and you apply it to everyone you meet and everyone you know. It’s a very big family! It’s everyone you see here today and what an amazing family she had. That hand that was extended to me in my earliest memory is the EXACT same hand she once extended to you. It is unique. So many comments refer to Mums rare and special ability to make anyone immediately welcome and at ease; you felt listened to, engaged, you left feeling good about yourself. So many people mention chatting with Mum into the small hours of the night, her wicked sense of humour, her infectious laugh, that fire in her belly, her ability to light up a room on entrance and her incredibly animated story telling skills!! We will never forget how she shone so brightly at Christmas. Our family driving holidays with Van Morrsion as our soundtrack. They both gave us all such fond memories. Witnessing Mum & Dad, these two people so very much in love, has been one of the greatest and most humbling experiences I can take from this whole journey. Such amazing teamwork… Dad has been an utter inspiration and did so much to support Mum. I will never forget the care and devotion he provided for Mum… It’s unsurpassable. I can hear Mum saying “my rock”. Mum’s entire being… her whole-hearted life intention, was to simply make a difference to someone or something. Be it her family, her friends, or a total stranger. As her good friend described her, she was a true Christian. Nothing else in the world was more rewarding to her than to put a smile on someone’s face and give others the feeling of being loved and understood. Be the change you want see in the world people. As the King himself put it so eloquently - “it's not how much you have that makes people look up to you, it's who you are " – Elvis Presley Keep smiling Mum… We salute you! Written and read by Adam Montague on 9th April at Our Lady Immaculate Church, Chelmsford.

The woman that was always there It’s hard losing someone like Mum at the age where I have just started to develop an understanding for the sacrifices she made. Even in her darkest times she still managed to do the everyday tasks that she came to expect of herself. And In situations like these where we look back on what was, and try to live life based on what is. I can’t help but see the 5ft something woman that was always there. That formidable force that was stretched too thin helping everyone she knew. I hope that everyone is lucky enough to have someone like my Mother. Lucky enough to have that constant supply of support and courage that has shaped my character over the years. Because, in my heart I know how lucky I was to be brought up by the woman that was always there.

Jen was the first family I ever knew, literally from the beginning of my life in 1950. Dear Auntie Ruby and Uncle Harry lived close to us in Custom House in those days.It would not surprise anyone to know that Jen is always my favourite cousin, beautiful inside and out and loved by all who know her. My deepest condolences go out to Chris and family. Loved and missed always by me, her cousin Bill.