Giving a magical send-off for a much loved mum

WHEN mum-of-two Jade Ellis died suddenly at the end of March, aged just 36 – and at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown – her family and friends were left shocked and devastated.

It was particularly hard that social distancing restrictions meant that the many people who knew and loved Jade – who worked for the travel company Tui in Swansea and lived in a small village near Port Talbot – could not attend her funeral service to pay their respects.

But Jade’s family decided to organise a celebration of her life that would be as unique and imaginative as she was, and reflect her passion for all things Disney.

As Jade had been a huge fan of Walt Disney films, her family asked Co-op Funeralcare to help them to create a personalised funeral celebration, centred on their Disney theme.

And they also opted to use Co-op Funeralcare’s cortege service: the funeral car was driven past the homes of family members and friends unable to attend Jade’s actual funeral, which meant so they were able to say goodbye as she made her final journey.

Co-op Funeralcare colleagues were able to arrange for Jade’s coffin to be decorated with her favourite Disney characters, while mourners dressed up as Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The coffin was also led by a Disney princess.

A lorry with speakers was also part of the cortege, and played iconic songs from the soundtrack of the film Moana, as it passed through the streets of Jade’s home village.

Jade’s beautifully written funeral notice paid tribute to the young mum, saying: “Jade will be eternally missed by each and every one of us. We all believe she is helping Walt Disney himself to create magic for all the little children of the world.”

Jade will be eternally missed by each and every one of us.