GRACE RIGBY
MR Francis Burrell died peacefully at Hope House in the early hours of Sunday, October 29, aged 81.
Frank, as he was known, was diagnosed with late onset Motor Neurone Disease earlier this year which he suffered with dignity and acceptance.
He was born and lived most of his life in Accrington and attended St Mary’s College, Blackburn, after which he did his National Service in Germany with the Royal Signals.
He had several clerical jobs, the last one being at Lucas Aerospace in Burnley.
He enjoyed long country walks, listening to modern jazz and played drums with a jazz group in his younger days, playing at venues here and in Spain. He was a regular visitor to the sick and elderly.
However, the joy and mainstay of his life was his Roman Catholic faith. He attended Mass daily from his retirement until very recently.
He was an excellent person, a true gentleman and a faithful and generous friend to many. His life was devoted to helping others and he was a sociable and caring man.
He leaves his sister Catherine, brotherin-law Harry, nephews Adam and Dominic, niece Dagmar, great-nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Requiem Mass will be held on Thursday, November 9, at St Joseph’s Church, Belgarth Road, Accrington at 10am followed by interment at Accrington Cemetery. Family flowers only please but donations may be made the to the MR Antonio Villa died peacefully at home on Friday, October 27, aged 78.
Tony, as he was known, was a dearly beloved and loving husband of Gina, devoted dad of Antony and daughter-in-law Tracy, loving grandad of Gabrielle and George and also a beloved brother-inlaw.
Antonio left his native Naples at a young age to find his fortune. His journey took him around the world, where he worked on cruise ships, in many top class hotels, until he met his wife Georgina whilst they were both working in Switzerland in the 1960s. He then settled in the UK.
Tony was known through his tenures at The Brewers Arms in Blackburn, The Spread Eagle in Mellor, Sparth Manor in Clayton-le-Moors and most notably, his own takeaway, Tonis in Great Harwood.
He was a man that, whatever you thought of him, you could never forget. Be it his bright clothes, his loud laugh or his big personality.
Tony beat the odds. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was given six months, 18 months later, he was cancerclear, but unfortunately life isn’t that clear cut and he passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 27.
His funeral will be held at Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road, on Tuesday, November 7 at 1pm.
His wife Gina and son Antony thank all of you who were MR Robert Clark, of Grafton Avenue, Baxenden, passed away on Thursday, October 19, aged 57.
He worked as a carer and a was big fan of Everton Football Club.
Mr Clark was ‘sports mad’ and enjoyed football, cricket and running.
Son of the late James and Gladys Clark, he leaves brothers Kevin and Craig Clark, sister Elsie Clark, niece Kerry Davies and her husband Alex.
A funeral service will be held at 9am on Monday, November 6, at Accrington Crematorium with no reception afterwards. Flowers welcome. Funeral director: Hyndburn Funeral Services, Queens Road, Accrington.
MAUREEN MORGAN
MAUREEN Morgan was a cook at Wellfield Residential Home.
She loved to read and enjoyed days out with her family and holidays, especially her trips to Cape Town to visit her eldest son and family.
She also loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren.
She was the wife of the late Alf and mother of John, David, Wendy, Lynda, Julie and the late Barry and Mark. She was also mother-in-law of Margaret, Diane, Richard, Martin and Richard. Maureen had 10 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 3pm on Friday, November 3, at Accrington Crematorium, administered by the Rev Ian Ley.
Family flowers only please, however donations, if desired, to Diabetes UK.
Funeral director: Hyndburn Funeral Services, Queens Road. MRS Grace Rigby, of Henley House Residential Home, died on Wednesday, October 25, aged 96.
Grace worked on the family farm at Lower Holker House Farm, Altham until she was married, then was a full-time housewife and mum.
She was the youngest of four children and sister to the late Thomas, Jack and Edith.
Grace loved ballroom dancing with her husband and, later on with her friends, holidays in the south of England and Blackpool.
She also enjoyed baking and loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Grace was the wife of the late Frank, mother to Sheila, mother-in-law to Alec, grandma of Sandra and Diane, much thought of family member of Bill, great-grandma of Jake and John, and auntie of Avis and Peter.
The funeral service, conducted by David Ireland, followed by cremation, will be held on Monday, November 6 at Accrington Crematorium at 11am.
Family flowers only with donations to the British Heart Foundation.
Funeral directors: Hyndburn Funeral Service.