Gillian Hamilton-Ritchie (25 Sep 1957 - 16 Dec 2016)

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Location
St Peters & St Pauls Church Church Walk Aylesford Kent ME20 7BB
Date
24th Jan 2017
Time
1pm
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Location
Aylesford Parish Cemetery Hall Road Aylesford
Date
24th Jan 2017
Time
1.45pm

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In loving memory of Gillian Hamilton-Ritchie who sadly passed away on 16th December 2016.

Gill grew up with her three brothers in Aylesford, Kent. We had a happy childhood together although as Gill hit her teenage years she began to find life a bit more difficult than most. She was diagnosed in her early twenties with a serious mental illness which affected her badly for most of her life. Despite this she was a cheerful and loving Sister , Daughter and Aunt who was always concerned about others in spite of her own difficulties.

In later years she met and married John, and she decided to move to Tunbridge Wells where she started to receive rather better care. She continued to paint and to write up to the day she died, and was always full of plans as to what she would do one day. Sadly those plans never came to fruition, but she and John were very happy together.

Gill passed away peacefully in her sleep. We all miss her.

David Haines

Michael Barlow donated £20 in memory of Gillian
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Joan Inwood wrote

So very sorry to hear of cousin Gill,s sad passing.She was such a lovely lady & had a real sweet nature & also have some nice memories of her.Our thoughts are with all the family & all those close to her.
We will be thinking of you tomorrow & sorry we can't be there at the Funeral but have passed our Condolences onto Avril who will be attending.

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Cath Cooper donated £30 in memory of Gillian

I met Gill many lifetimes ago in Oxford and I have fond memories of that time. More recently I met Gill again at Dave and Viv's. She remembered me straight away and told me what a good friend I had been to her in Oxford.I was very moved by her words and will remember her as a sweet and kind person. I am so happy she married and made the best of her life.It is a blessing she passed peacefully in her sleep.The good die young.

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Gerald Barlow donated £20 in memory of Gillian
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Sarah Haines is attending the funeral and the reception
Sarah Haines donated £20 in memory of Gillian
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Penny O'Connell donated in memory of Gillian
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Penny O'Connell wrote

I have known Gill all her life - she was a lovely little girl but could also have her naughty moments like most children. Sadly she was diagnosed with mental health issues later in life but remained kind and thoughtful to others always remembering birthdays and family celebrations. She had a pretty good 'Haines' sense of humour and would laugh her head off at all the family jokes, like cutting the gravy up with a pair of scissors (true) and the extension that rotted away before it was built! She loved animals and was very fond of various dogs that we owned. She was one of my many nieces and I last saw her at a family lunch in Kent where she had a wonderful time with all of us.

I am happy that she died so peacefully in her sleep and we are all grateful for that. We will all miss you, Gill. Love from Auntie Penny

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Penny O'Connell is attending the funeral and the reception
Robert Archer wrote

So sorry to hear the news of Gill's passing. She was a wonderful person and cousin. We didn't see so much of each other lately but I have wonderful memories of her. My condolences and best wishes to her family. Cousin Robbie

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  • Wonderful words, Robbie. I hope you are well. cousin Pete

    Posted by Peter on 14/01/2017 Report abuse
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Sandie Thomas donated in memory of Gillian

I met Gill at college when we were doing our A levels. We worked together during the summer and went together to youth group at St Peters Ditton. We have remained friends ever since. I can only echo the words of Louise and Becky; despite some very hard times with her illness Gill remained a loyal friend, always asking about my family; she was always planning for the future and she loved to laugh. Sometimes on the phone I would have to wait while she finished giggling with John! Gill missed her mum very much and now they are together. God bless my friend Gill x

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Avril Piper donated £50 in memory of Gillian

In memory of our lovely cousin Gill.

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  • She was lovely, Avril. Looking forward to seeing you. Cousin Pete

    Posted by Peter on 14/01/2017 Report abuse
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Avril Piper is attending the funeral and the reception
Avril Piper wrote

In loving memory of our lovely cousin Gill. Remembering the fun times we spent together when we were young. Love Avril, Rob, Joan and John

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Verity Dinnage donated £30 in memory of Gillian

Loved you Gill. You never lost your sense of honour and so pleased to have seen you in Southborough last year with Ophelia. So sorry that I hadn't managed to introduce you to little Prunella.x

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Susan Miller wrote

A wonderfully kind person who was always interested in my travails and our in lives.

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Susan Miller is attending the funeral and the reception
Kate Haines donated in memory of Gillian
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Kate Haines donated in memory of Gillian
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Sue Haines lit a candle
Sue Haines is attending the funeral and the reception
Rosie Bhattacharjee donated in memory of Gillian

In memory of Gill and with love to all her family, Rosie

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Rosie Bhattacharjee is attending the funeral and the reception
Vivien Haines posted a picture
Gill and John on their Wedding day.

Gill and John on their Wedding day.

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Vivien Haines posted a picture
Gill loved this photo from her wedding day - so do we.

Gill loved this photo from her wedding day - so do we.

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  • What a beautiful picture of Gill xx

    Posted by Rosie on 7/01/2017 Report abuse
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Vivien Haines posted a picture
Gill's wedding to John was one of her happiest days.  This is her sitting on her mother's memorial bench in Aylesford church.

Gill's wedding to John was one of her happiest days. This is her sitting on her mother's memorial bench in Aylesford church.

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Susan Wild donated in memory of Gillian

We didn't meet Gillian often, but when we did she was always full of warmth and concern for us and our family. She clearly had a natural generosity of spirit which wasn't dimmed by her personal struggles. It's lovely to read of the happiness that she found with John and the fond memories people have of her.

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Becky Payne donated £30 in memory of Gillian

For my friend Gill

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Becky Payne wrote

Gill and I met when we were both 15 taking part in a very muddy archaeological dig at Maidstone Barracks. We subsequently went onto a second dig at Leeds Castle. We became friends from that point on. She was a loyal and kind friend who despite her own troubles never failed to check that I was alright as well as always asking about my family who she always remembered. She did get very down, and her health meant she had a lot to deal with. But she had a great sense of humour and I will always remember her great laugh. She kept going with her poetry and her drawings and I was always pleased to be shown her latest works. Some of her poems were painfully honest and I hope it helped her to write them down. I'm glad she found John as together they looked after each other and especially important, they did have a laugh together. You were one of my oldest friends, Gill and we knew each other for just under 45 years! I will miss you.

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  • You were always a good friend to Gill Becky, she was very fond of you. She often mentioned you to me in conversations.

    Posted by Louise on 7/01/2017 Report abuse
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Becky Payne is attending the funeral and the reception
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