Rose Shardlow (28 Feb 1923 - 21 Jan 2017)

In memory of Rose from Cathy and David

You always enjoyed birthdays mum, wishing you were with us today for your birthday. 28 February xxx

I will remember Auntie Rose with deep affection.
Some of my earliest memories are of visits to see her, Uncle Percy, Michael and Margaret –smells of home cooking in the open plan kitchen and living room. In particular I loved her lemon meringue pie - homemade and not the Birds packet variety. There would be sewing and knitting in progress and her violin was at hand. Lunch was followed by explorations in the fields around the house. Sometimes we would all meet at Granny Smith’s bungalow and again the day would revolve around home cooked food and expeditions and adventures in the garden and orchard. When we were older, we would go for walks in the countryside nearby. All places loved by Rose and many members of the family.
My birthday was always remembered by Rose and, until the last two or three years, my card would be accompanied by a long letter with detailed observations about life. These ranged from long walks in and around the village - spreading poppy seeds as she enjoyed the autumn colours and hoping that the seeds would provide colour for others in the future- to visits and lunches with her children and her grandson. She was always positive and determined to get the best out of each day, even when she was restricted in her walking. Watching the creatures of the garden and the changing seasons gave her great pleasure and she would always make the best of a situation. She was a true country woman in her appreciation of nature and the joy that it brings.
Phone calls with Auntie Rose were guaranteed to make me laugh: she had a wry sense of humour and a keen sense of the absurd. I remember many years ago when everyone around the dining table collapsed into tears of laughter after one of her comments. She was also always interested in what I and the family had been doing and kept up with their news.
I am so sorry I will not be there on Monday but I will be thinking of all you and remembering a very special lady.

In grateful memory of a lovely lady.

Fred, Helen and Christopher.