“You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she is gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what Mum would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Every time I think of Auntie Jackie I think of warmth, big smiles, a cheeky laugh, strong hugs and dancing. I remember laughing excitedly on the motorway whenever we saw her and Uncle Graham zooming a long. I picture home made jam and toast, old fires and stone, adventures to the duck pond and chips in the pub. Mum and I have been growing fruit and veg throughout lockdown and every time I see our plants it reminds me of our family visits and looking for fairies in the garden. I’ll cherish these memories forever!

I will always remember Jackie’s delightful laughter ,one could not fail to join in ,such a dear gentle lady.God Bless Jackie.X✝️