Aguiding light for
It is something that we will all experience at some point, but death is still one of the last taboos in our society.
When someone you know loses a loved one, instead of acknowledging their grief and shock and the fact that they are going through something incredibly difficult, it can seem easier to say nothing at all. You might be too scared to bring it up, or fearful that you’ll say the ‘wrong’ thing.
This fear of discussing dying even extends to the fact that we don’t like to use the word ‘death’, often preferring to say someone has ‘passed away’ or
Co-op Funeralcare has worked with psychologist
Julia Samuel, an expert with decades of experience in grief counselling, to put together some advice for ways that you can reach out and help a family
It is something that we will all experience at some point, but death is still one of the last taboos in our
society of the current international pandemic, surely one thing we can learn is how to have a conversation about grief and loss.
Do more than just send a text. Drop off some food, give the person a call – and let them know you’ll be around for the long haul if they need it.
MUM-OF-THREE BARB WAS ALWAYS CALM, TOTALLY UNFLAPPABLE AND A ROLE MODEL TO GENERATIONS OF GIRLS AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE GUIDING MOVEMENT
of three children brought up by a single mum, Barbara Jean Brown – or Barb as she was known – developed an unremitting determination in life – to make the best out of everything and every situation.
“Mum inherited her own mum’s resolve,” says daughter Deb. “She took on everything that life threw at her in an unflappable, calm and collected way.
“She always had a purpose and she passed that on to us, her three girls. Although, some of the calmness has not always been there – that must have been dad’s influence!”
She smiles: “Mum was always the steady rock in the vast ocean, the place where we sought solace and comfort in our times of difficulty and need. She was always ready to give a sympathetic ear to our troubles.”
In 1936, the year she was born, there was a depression and dictators held
in an evil grip, but Barb brought one family at least some hope.
Life was tough for Barbara and her two siblings brought up by her mum in years of war and austerity, but it shaped a young girl into a strong, independent young woman.
“It was a great struggle for her mum – Granny Davey as she was known to me and my sisters. Being a single parent and bringing up three children on a cleaning and dressmaking wage meant times were tough, but those experiences shaped mum’s attitude to how she approached life.
“Her much-loved and dearly treasured mum, played a huge role in shaping all her children, mum and her sister Beryl, who survives her, and brother, Bill.”
However hard times were, Barb was always a happy and carefree child. She went to Monks’ Dyke
Husband-to-be Malcolm met Barbara at a family 21st birthday party. They married in 1959 and went on to have three daughters
School in Louth where she did well, excelling in sports. In 1951, the headmaster declared her to be “a most reliable girl with a sterling character and a charming disposition”.
Barb met husband Malcolm at a family 21st party and they married in 1959 before having three daughters – Deb, and Heidi-Lou.
There was little that brought Barb more joy than having her family, and her many friends, around her.
And home life and the happiness of all those in it was always paramount.
“Mum was an attractive lady and had a delightful personality,” recalls Deb. “I can remember friends turning up at the drop of a hat when we were teenagers and mum didn’t blink an eye. She just unflappingly got on with creating a huge meal – it’s what family folklore is made of.”
Barb was always busy. She had many hobbies and excelled at them all, from knitting to baking and wine making, to quilling, card-making, cross-stitching and more.
Her expert skills might be why she made such a superb and committed