Family’s bid to set up memorial to say thanks to care staff

A COVENTRY family are raising money for a memorial to be built in the care home where they lost a family member to Covid-19.

Phyllis Corney lost her life to Covid-19 last month, aged 90.

Her family have since set up a fundraising page to build a memorial in the garden of Trinity Lodge Care home, where Mrs Corney had lived for two years.

Care homes across the region have had to grapple with increased responsibility and pressure in the wake of the pandemic, and Mrs Corney’s family want the tribute to also be a nod to the hard work of frontline workers.

Mrs Corney’s daughter Jan Malatesta said: “We thought it would be nice to have a memorial for those who have died, and to say thank you to the staff that have made big sacrifices.

“In every care home there are always the sacrifices that are made, and they are so lovely at Trinity Lodge.

“We want to leave the memorial idea to them, maybe something in the garden. Some places have got an online tribute, but we wanted it to be a physical thing.

“This is our older generation, and [the pandemic] seems to have attacked them.”

Mrs Corney was a “proud Coventrian” and described as “a real character” by everyone that knew her.

Brought up in the Foleshill area, she got married in 1954 and had two children, Jan and Gareth, and five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mrs Malatesta added: “Mum was a shorthand typist secretary who worked at Coventry Climax, the Humber factory, and various Coventry firms. Family time was the first and foremost, she was very social and loved a chat and a cup of tea.

“She had been at Trinity Lodge for two years, I was so glad that she passed away there and didn’t spend her last days in hospital.”

On their Justgiving page, Mrs Corney’s family pay tribute to the staff at Trinity Lodge: “Making this special place is our way to remember and say a huge thank you to all the incredible staff who have dedicated their lives and had to make personal sacrifices to make sure that the residents are well cared for, and importantly loved, during a time when it is instinct to care for yourself and your own. Although this has been a difficult time, the one comforting thing was seeing how genuinely loved and looked after Phyllis was by all the staff at Trinity Lodge and demonstrate that caring is a skilled vocation.”

Mrs Corney certainly lived a full life, and loved to celebrate special moments with those around her. We reported last year on how she was surprised by a West End star to celebrate her turning 90.

Tracy Manzi, District Manager of Trinity Lodge care home said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to Phyllis’ family and all those who have lost loved ones during this time. We are extremely grateful to her family who despite their loss have taken the time to recognise the hard work and dedication of our colleagues at Trinity Lodge care home.

“The commitment of my colleagues has ensured people continue to be cared for and supported in their usual routines by people who know them well.

“Phyllis was a was a wonderful character who was an important member of the Trinity Lodge family, she always managed to put a smile on everyone’s face and she is very fondly remembered and will be missed by us all. We are looking forward to working with the family on creating a memorial.”

Mrs Corney’s family said that although this loss has left “a huge hole” in their hearts, the memorial will help them recognise the vital work that carers have done during the pandemic, and every day, as well as a tribute to those who lost their lives to Covid-19.”