Four notable, strong women have died this week.
- July 7th - My Auntie Jean, at 101. The rest of the world did not know her, she won't get a mention on the BBC, but for her 100+ relations, and her many friends, her passing will be noted, her life and faith celebrated. She gave so much to so many. always with a warm smile or a cheeky grin.
- July 8th - Bonnie Tyler. Aged 75.
This Welshwoman, with a wonderfully powerful voice had been ill for some weeks. She had been married to her beloved Robert for 53 years. They had no children, but she did a phenomenal amount for charity across the world, but particularly in Wales, especially child-related projects. Her most famous hit was "Total Eclipse of the Heart" [my favourite is "Holding Out for a Hero] Deeply loved, she was described as 'a proud Welsh Icon' by Prince William - July 9th - Anne Widdecombe. Aged 78. A feisty, outspoken woman, of very strong views. She was raised Catholic, became an agnostic, then Anglican, then converted back to Catholicism. Brought up Conservative, she was a local councillor, became an MP in 1987. She joined the Brexit Party, then the Reform Party. She remained single and had no children, saying she had chosen to commit her life to public service. In her later years she became a 'celeb' appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, Celeb Big Brother and made numerous other TV appearances. Rev Richard Coles described her as "Ann Widdecombe, who I knew a bit, both as an adversary and as an inconveniently congenial acquaintance." and wrote a prayer on Facebook which was very gracious, I felt. We have since heard that she was murdered. So incredibly sad.
- July 10th - Patricia Greene - aka Jill Archer. Aged 95. Part of the soundtrack of my life until I stopped listening to the radio soap during Covid! She was 'married' to Brookfield Farm for 69 years! She did other roles here and there on TV - but basically she had one job, and she did it brilliantly. The longest serving actor in any soap [radio, TV or Internet] in the world. The matriarch of a huge fictional farming family - her character was so popular [Queen Camilla is apparently an Archers Addict] She continued recording, even when she moved into a care home. Patricia [Paddy] was a much loved member of the Archers Team, "unfailingly warm and encouraging" She was awarded an MBE ' for services to broadcasting and charity.
May these strong women rest in peace, may their loved ones be comforted, may others carry on the good work they did and the generosity they showed.
Thank you for putting your aunt first. All these are wonderful women: as you say Auntie Jean's death will go unremarked by most of the world but her life was a faithful witness to truth lived out as a witness to the world. My condolences to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you 💜
DeleteMy life has been guided by the strong women in my life - my mother and my Oma. RIP.
ReplyDeleteMy mother and grandmother were great influences on me too
DeleteMay they all rest in peace and may there be more strong women to take their place.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that
DeleteI had very sad news this week to about a former member of a group I’m in. She was 76 and has a very varied life including the forced adoption of her daughter whom she gave birth to at around 14/15 years old. The celebrant made no secret of this fact, as the 3 sons she gave birth to by the time she was 24, knew that the sadness never left her for the rest of her life. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad - so many young women whose babies were forcibly taken away from them - leaving a lifetime of sadness, often for mother AND child
DeleteCondolences for the loss of your auntie. 101 is such a good age.
ReplyDeleteAnn Widdicombe' s death was a shock, particularly as she was murdered. Such a tragic ending.
Here's to the strong women.
Such a tragic ending for Ann
DeleteI am sorry for the loss of your aunt, Angela.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terri - may she rest in peace, and rise in glory
DeleteWell said. Regards Sue H
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DeleteMy list of strong women doesn't include any celebrities but I do have a centenarian in there, my grandmother, who died in 1994. I had the opportunity to share with a fellow parishioner the other day that I had been thinking of his late mother and how special she was to me. She died many years ago.
ReplyDeleteGood memories 🩷
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