OBITUARIES
ALICE BARNES
MRS Alice Barnes, of Oswaldtwistle, died on Thursday, December 22, aged 100.
She started her working life weaving part-time at Mullard’s, then became full-time caretaker of West End Primary School.
She was Sunday school teacher at St Thomas, now All Saints, and a member of the Mothers’ Union, where she received a special award for 60 years of service.
She enjoyed knitting, dressmaking and arts and crafts and had a static caravan in the Lake District for years.
She was the wife of the late Cyril, mother to Kenneth and Sandra, mother-in-law to Marjorie, grandmother to Janet, Stuart, Lee, Kaley and the late Andrew, greatgrandma (nana) to Jake, Sophie, Nia, Bradley, Kimberley, Zoe, Jordan, Alice and Caitlin, and great, great-grandma to Jack, Alfie and Isaac.
Her funeral service was due to be held on Thursday, January 5, at 1.45pm, at All Saints Church, Oswaldtwistle, officiated by Rev Michael Ratcliffe and followed by internment at Immanuel Church, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, at 2.30pm.
Family flowers only, but donations welcome to the Alzheimer’s Society c/o Kirby and Hughes Funeral Service, Blackburn Road, Accrington.
HELEN BARRETT
MRS Helen Barrett, of Accrington, died on Wednesday, December 21, aged 72.
Helen was well-known as a local studies librarian in Accrington and for her work at Haworth Art Gallery.
She was the much-loved wife of Colin, treasured mum of Philip and a dearly loved auntie.
Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 4, at St John’s Church, Accrington, officiated by Rev Gerald Higham and followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium.
Donations welcome to St John’s Church, Accrington, c/o Valerie Roland at Hillside Funeral Directors, Burnley Road, Accrington.
HOWARD CLARK
MR Howard Clark, of Church, Accrington, died peacefully in hospital on Sunday, December 25, aged 57.
He was the dearly loved husband of the late Mags, loving dad of Rebecca, Samantha, Jeanette, Stephanie, Michelle, Emma and Andrew, and also a dear father-in-law, grandad, great-grandad, loving brother, brother-inlaw and uncle.
Howard started out as a butcher before finding his niche as an engineer, working for many years at TPM in Oswaldtwistle. He then moved to Dura lay (Inter floor), where he worked as the maintenance manager.
Howard was very hardworking and committed to his job, working hard to provide for his extended family.
Blessed with a happy disposition, Howard never let anything be sombre and found the humour and laughter in each situation. He was naturally funny and could never be serious, spreading his happiness like a warm blanket.
He loved listening to the band UB40. He was also an avid fisherman and loved his times spent fishing with his adored wife Mags. Howard also spent many happy times at his caravan in Blackpool.
He enjoyed socialising and loved winding down with a pint of lager at home at the end of each day.
His funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 4, at All Saints Church, Clayton-le-Moors, followed by interment at Dill Hall Cemetery.
Donations welcome in his memory for East Lancashire Hospice c/o Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.
EILEEN RAEBURN
EILEEN Raeburn, of Burnley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, died peacefully at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Wednesday, December 28, aged 78.
During her life in the 1970s and early 1980s, Eileen worked at Jas Broadleys. She then later worked at Ri sts Wires and Cables until she retired.
For many years she loved darts and dominoes, as well as spending time with her beloved dog Joey.
Eileen sadly leaves her dearly loved daughter Donna, her treasured grandson Alex, as well as her friends and family both near and far.
Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 4, at Accrington Crematorium.
Donations are welcome in memory of Eileen for East Lancashire Hospice c/o Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, Eastgate Corner, 80 Whalley Road, Accrington.
MAUREEN CRABTREE
MRS Maureen Crabtree, of Oswaldtwistle, sadly passed away at home on Saturday, December 17 aged 76.
She was the wife of the devoted and loving husband Jim, mother of Yvonne and the late Steven.
She was the mother-inlaw of Bryan and Joanne, grandma to Jessica, Jonathan, Emily-Ann, Lauren, Jake, Oliver, Chloe, Alicia and Rhys, and great-grandma to Isla Grace. She was also the sister of loving brother Vic and sister-in-law to Lynne and a much loved auntie.
In her younger days Maureen was a good dancer and liked nothing better than going to Rock and Roll nights with her husband Jim.
She liked sewing and loved cooking and baking. She was a hard worker and one of her first jobs was in the cotton mill as a winder. She then went into the textile industry as a machinist. Her last job before retirement was at Hilden manufacturing company.
She was well and truly loved by all of her family and friends and as the song by Tina Turner goes she was ‘simply the best’.
Her funeral service will be held on Monday, January 9 at 2.20pm at Accrington Crematorium Chapel, officiated by Father John Daly, followed by cremation.
Flowers welcome but donations if preferred are being received for The Stroke Association c/o Kirby and Hughes Funeral Services, 228 Blackburn Road, Accrington.
IRENE BASHALL
IRENE Bashall, of Accrington, passed away peacefully in hospital, with family by her side on Thursday, December 22 aged 85.
Irene worked for many years at GEC in Clayton-le-Moors with her sister and went on to work as a weaver at Giron Frieres. In her younger years she worked as a barmaid and ran Baxenden Conservative Club for a short time with her husband.
Irene enjoyed holidays with her husband Bob and friends, travelling to the Isle of Man, Scarborough and the south coast. Irene then spent many years caring for her late and much loved mother Deborah who lived with Irene and Bob for around 40 years.
Irene loved to crochet and enjoyed knitting and although she had no children of her own, these skills were put to good use as she loved making clothes and blankets for family and friends as babies came along.
Another favourite pastime was watching films and television crime dramas – a favourite of Irene’s was CSI but her favourite actor was Steven Seagal and she saw all of his films many times.
Irene loved the visits that she had from family especially those all the way from Australia and these created special memories for her.
She will be deeply missed and the family would like express heartfelt thanks to Stephen, Jeanette and Lee for their care and friendship shown over the last few months.
The devoted and much loved wife of the late Robert (Bob), she was cherished auntie of Colette and Anne, dear greatauntie to Rachel, Luke, Andrew and Michael, also a dear great, great-auntie of Nathalie, Daniel, Stacey, Taliah and Jake, great, great, great-auntie to Isla and much loved sister to the late Emmie.
Irene’s funeral service will take place at the Chapel of Rest, Champ Funeral Services on Friday, January 6 at 10.45am followed by burial at Dill Hall Cemetery at 11.30am.
Flowers welcome and donations in memory of Irene on behalf of Derian House Children’s Hospice via www.champfunerals.com/ obituaries
Enquiries to: Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.
MARIA HARGREAVES
MARIA Hargreaves, of Clayton-le-Moors, died in hospital, fortified by the Rites of the Holy Mother Church on Thursday, December 29, aged 88.
Maria was born in Germany in 1928 and moved to England in 1949 with a friend to find work and she began working in a textile mill in Todmorden.
She then became a full-time mum and later worked at Asda as a checkout operator and retired from her job as checkout supervisor in 1988.
Following her retirement, Maria worked as a part-time cleaner at St Mary’s school and was a member of St Mary’s RC Church.
The devoted wife of the late Peter, she was much loved and loving mum of Geoffrey, Graham, Barry, David and Christine, dear mother-in-law of Lynda, Emma, Vicky and Ian, and cherished grandma to John, Leanne, Charmain, Matthew-James and Matthew-Peter, George, Arthur, and great-grandma of Evan, dear sister of Freda, Franz and Gerhard, and also a dear relative and friend.
Maria loved cooking and feeding her family and was well-known for her famous goulash. She was also very house proud and kept the house immaculate at all times.
Maria was a keen sport follower, especially football, skiing and motor racing and always kept up to date.
She was a devoted family lady who enjoyed visiting family in Germany and as a proud grandma also looked forward to visits from grandchildren.
Maria’s funeral service will take place at St Mary’s RC Church, Clayton-le-Moors on Monday, January 9 at 10.15am followed by interment at Dill Hall Cemetery at 11am.
Family flowers only please with donations in memory of Maria on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support via www. champfunerals.com/ obituaries
Enquiries to: Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.
HILDA THOMPSON
HILDA Thompson, formerly of Great Harwood, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, December 29 aged 100.
Having been a district nurse around the Hyndburn area, Hilda was a popular and well-known face. She loved her work and was most devoted to her patients. Even when she retired, she continued to care for her friends and family right to the end.
Hilda was a devoted family lady who helped in any way she could to support them and make their lives easier. She would prepare family meals whilst they ran the family farm.
Hilda was also a proud nanna and great-nanna. Her life revolved around her family and she always looked forward to family celebrations. She had a great appetite for both food and life and loved to entertain with her many tales.
The devoted wife of the late Wilfred, she was loving mum of the late Barrie and Stella, cherished nan of Susan and Ian, very special great-nanna to Ian, Bernadette, Jack, Beth, great, great-nanna to Alfie, and a special person to Rob, Colin and June and a dear relative to many.
Hilda’s funeral service will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Friday, January 6 at 12.20pm. Family flowers only please with donations in memory of Hilda on behalf of Epilepsy Society and East Lancashire Hospice via www. champfunerals.com/ obituaries.
Enquiries to: Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.
RITA JONES
RITA Jones sadly died after a short illness in East Lancashire Hospice on Wednesday, December 28 aged 63.
Rita, originally from Darwen, met husband Peter when both worked for Ri sts Wires and Cables. They dated and married in 1971. Rita then moved to Accrington and continued working as an assembler.
Between having her children Rita always worked, even on evenings at a local cotton mill when the children were young. She then went back to Ri sts full time and left when the factory closed in 1999.
The last 16 years of Rita’s working life were spent working as a carer. Rita loved to keep up with friends on Facebook, was a keen knitter and a committee member of Lancashire Authors Association.
Latterly, she also showed a talent for acting, taking part in two short films made by Southport Movie-makers.
Rita retired in January 2016 and became ill in March.
She leaves her husband Peter, two daughters Amanda and Catherine, sons-in-law Andrew and Robert and four grandchildren; Jake, Finley, Keira and Eoin, in England and Australia.
Her funeral service will be at St Mary’s RC Church, Oswaldtwistle at 1.15pm on Friday, January 6 followed by interment at Accrington Cemetery at 2.15pm.
Family flowers only please. Donations to East Lancashire Hospice may be made via funeral director Kirby and Hughes, Blackburn Road, Accrington.
BETTY LAWLESS
BETTY Rose Lawless, formerly Butler, nee Fletcher, of Cromiequoy, Watten, Scotland and formerly of Accrington, died very suddenly at Caithness General Hospital, Wick on Monday, December 26, aged 67.
Betty lived in Accrington for many years as a single parent, also working for a time at Accrington’s Express Gifts where she was also Union Representative, before moving on to Lucas Rists Wiring Systems where she met husband Ivan. She then moved to Barrowford, near Nelson, before retiring to her beloved Highlands.
She was dearly loved wife of Ivan, loving mother of Donna and Kara, stepmother of Sean and Andrea, and grandma of Benjamin, Tania, Tammy, Rob, Margaret, Katie and the late James.
Her funeral service is to be held at the Church of Scotland, Watten, Caithness, Scotland on Friday, January 6 at 11.30am, and thereafter to Watten Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations can be made to the Balmore Animal Welfare Centre.
For further information please contact the funeral directors: Clair Harper, Sinclair Funeral Directors, MacArthur Street, Wick, Caithness.
LES FIELDING
MR Les Fielding, of Haywood Road, Accrington, and formerly of Adelaide Street, Clayton-le-Moors, died peacefully in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Saturday, December 31, aged 80.
During his life Les has led a varied working career. In his early working days he served in Malaysia for 18 months in the Medical Corps which was attached to the Gurkha regiment.
Les became a familiar face to many when he took part in the sport of wrestling, becoming a wellknown wrestler.
He later owned his own coach hire business before working for Ribble Buses.
Les also enjoyed providing donkey rides with Jake and Teddy (his donkeys) and also swing boats at Oswaldtwistle Mills for approximately 10 years.
In his spare time he also liked watching motor racing as well as the Olympics and Paralympics.
A much loved husband of 52 years of the late Irene, he was a dearly loved father of Craig and Scott, a treasured grandad of Josh, Roxanne, Shelby, Emily, Bria and Morgan and a cherished greatgrandad of Prudence and Joseph.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at 11.40am at Accrington Crematorium.
Family flowers only please but donations are welcome in memory of Les for the Gurkha Welfare Trust c/o Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.
JOAN MURRAY
MRS Joan Murray, of Church View Care Home, Oswaldtwistle died on Sunday, January 1, aged 95.
A former serving member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and financial secretary, she was a devoted parishioner of St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Oswaldtwistle.
She loved to learn about the successes of family members and friends, with whom she kept close contact.
She was the widow of her dearly loved husband Jack.
Requiem Mass, conducted by Monsignor J Daly, will be held at St Mary’s RC Church, Oswaldtwistle on Thursday, January 12 at 10am. This will be followed by burial at Accrington Cemetery at 11.30am.
Family flowers only with donations to Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT).
Funeral director: Hyndburn Funeral Services.
ANNE WOODSSMITH
MRS Anne WoodsSmith, of Cobham Road, Accrington, died on Friday, December 30, aged 93.
Anne was a school teacher all her working life at various schools in the area – including St Joseph’s RC School, Blackburn, Holy Family Secondary School, Accrington and Accrington and Rossendale College. She was a shorthand/ typing teacher.
She was the founding member of St Anne’s Ladies Club and was very involved with the Inner Wheel Club and the Tangent Club. She was also very involved with the 109th Loyola Scouting Group for many many years.
Anne was a lifelong member of St Anne’s RC Church, Accrington.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed holidays abroad, including a number of trips to visit family in Australia. On another occasion she visited Canada with her late husband Ernest.
She was wife of the late Bill Woods and the late Ernest Smith. She was mother of Phil, Mick, Mag, Kirsty and the late Jim. She was nan to Liz, Rick, Rose, Will, Owen and Brendan and ‘Grammy’ to Jacob, Louisa and Theo.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at 10.45am for a Requiem Mass officiated by Fr. Simon Stamp, followed by cremation at 12.20pm at Accrington Crematorium. Family flowers only with donations requested for St Anne’s RC Church, Accrington or Maundy Relief c/o funeral director Hyndburn Funeral Services.
SARAH HALLIWELL
MRS Sarah Jane Halliwell, of Broadfield Road, Ferngore, Accrington died at home on Saturday, December 31, aged 64.
Sadie, as she was known, had various jobs including TML Plastics and Rist Wires, and when she left school she worked at Whittakers Weaving Mill.
Her hobbies and interests included baking, looking after her grandchildren and watching soaps.
She leaves husband David, children Amanda, Kevin and Victoria, son-in-law Lee, grandchildren McCoist, Lilly and Charlie, brothers and sisters Robert, Janice, William, Annette and Quentin, and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held at 9.40am on Friday, January 13, at Accrington Crematorium, officiated by Ken Howles. Family flowers only with donations requested for Hyndburn Young Carers.
Funeral director: Wolstenholme Funeral Services.