Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Grieving family overwhelmed by hospice support
Donations pour in following death of Irene, 75
The grieving family of a muchloved grandmother say they have been overwhelmed by the number of donations in her memory to the hospice which cared for her in her final days. Irene Keeler lost her battle with bowel cancer aged 75, having been supported by the charity’s nurses at her home in Petham.
The Covid-19 pandemic meant only 10 close family members could attend her funeral at Barham Crematorium last month, but friends and relatives donated an extraordinary £1,500 to the hospice.
Her daughter, Tracey Curtis, who lives in Thanington, said: “The funeral directors, Lyons, told us it was the most they had received for donations to the charity, so it gave us some comfort because they cared for mum so well and we want to thank everyone for their support.”
Irene was a ward clerk at Kent and Canterbury Hospital for 14 years until her retirement at the age of 60. But her first job was at the Lotus shoe shop in Canterbury, where she indulged her love of footwear.
She also previously worked at the former St Augustine’s Hospital in Chartham and the Kenfield Hall nursing home after that.
Her early life was spent in the farming community, where she met her future husband, Tim, at a village cricket match in Petham, which the couple later made their home. Tracey, a hairdresser, says her mum always kept her love of the countryside and had many craft skills.
“Whether it be her garden, pottering in the greenhouse, self-taught knitting, cross stitch or cooking, mum finished everything to the highest standard and was an inspiration to us all,” she said.
“She leaves us a legacy of positivity, fun and laughter. “She was a tremendously strong lady who cared for everyone and was loved by all who met her.
“The family will be forever proud of her, especially after the strength and courage shown following her cancer diagnosis” Irene leaves her husband, Tim, son Kevin and daughters Karen, Michelle and Tracey, as well as six grandchildren.
‘She leaves us a legacy of positivity, fun and laughter’