‘She had no idea of how much she was loved or how funny she was’
CORRIE STARS SAY EMOTIONAL GOODBYE AT FUNERAL OF STREET LEGEND LIZ DAWN
MOVING tributes were paid as mourners said an emotional goodbye to Coronation Street legend Liz Dawn.
The funeral of the actress, real name Sylvia Ann Ibbetson, took place at Salford Cathedral yesterday.
Liz, better known as her soap character Vera Duckworth, died aged 77 on September 25 following a battle with illness.
A host of past and present stars of the show packed the cathedral to pay their respects.
Among them were Samia Longchampon, who plays Maria Connor, and Alan Halsall, better known as Tyrone Dobbs. Both paid tribute to Liz. Samia said: “Liz was an incredibly special lady and her legacy will live on. She touched our lives and made a difference.
“We’re going to miss Liz. Her infectious laughter, the mischievous sparkle in her eyes, her considerate and warm way with those around her.
“Her formidable on-screen partnership with Bill Tarmey [Jack Duckworth] is etched forever in the programme’s history as over three decades they entertained us with their incredible wit.”
Alan said: “Liz could talk to anyone and always treated everyone the same, which was absolutely part of her charm.
“Liz was a true inspiration and was always so generous with her time.
“She had no idea how much she was loved or how funny she was and she would be totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love these last couple of weeks.”
Liz joined Coronation Street in 1974, originally in a cameo role but was brought back as a regular and stayed until 2008 when she left due to ill health.
Her character Vera was killed off but returned as a one-off as a ghost when on-screen husband Jack also died.
Liz’s son Graham Ibbetson also paid tribute inside the cathedral.
He told how his mum, originally from Leeds, had played netball as a child but had been too competitive.
She worked in shops and factories after leaving school and married her husband Donald in 1965.
As a mum of four she would sell Avon goods, clothes and even wigs to help make ends meet before landing her role in Coronation Street. She was also a talented singer. Graham said: “Mum’s voice and appearance is part of history now and will never be forgotten.
“No matter who met with mum all of them laughed and walked away smiling, happier.”
Liz also leaves behind daughters Dawn, Julie and Ann, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.