For Iris…

It’s been a long day and a good one.

We’ve said our formal goodbyes to Iris and there’s been time for lots of shared memories. She was a strong, independent character who although nursing and sadly losing her husband and other loved family members, she picked herself up and gave herself fully to every new stage of her life.

She loved every time we spent together, gave ‘orders’ for things she wanted me to do, spoke her mind and definitely gave her opinion freely. I loved her. I knew she loved me. We made a good team. I will miss her.

Ian our minister took her service today and it was perfect. Iris was not familiar with church but had become a loved member of our Tuesday Ladies group, the Community Lunch, our Coffee & Crafts group and talked of all those she met there as her friends as they her. Today we heard again of her love of bowling, ballroom dancing, cruising holidays and singing.

A lovely time afterwards in the lounge at her accommodation with friends there to share informally over tea and coffee, sandwiches, cake and biscuits. Lots of photos, bowling and dancing trophies to enjoy and admire.

We left the service today to a recording of her brother Geoffrey singing What a Wonderful World. Iris with all her zest for life certainly proved it to be so. Geoffrey joined us via the webcast and was so happy with the day. And, there’s been sunshine all day!