Family’s moving tribute to Gem
The sudden death of a mum-oftwo has left a “massive hole” in the lives of friends and family. In a heart-wrenching tribute, her family has said they will always remember their beloved Gemma Rich with love and pride. The 36-year-old died of a heart attack on May 26, but her family is finding strength in remembering her amazing personality. Her sister Jessica Stickland, 38, said: “Gem was a very kind and positive person. She was very family orientated and had lots of friends because she always took the time and effort to maintain lifelong friendships. “She was fun, happy and ambitious. She knew what she wanted from a very young age. She was very observant and didn’t miss a trick. She had a cheeky sense of humour and was feisty but fair, told it like it is but in a very positive way.” Gemma married Tom Rich on November 18, 2011. They had two children, Grace, 6, and Bobby, 4. Her step-dad, Kevin Spencer, 59, and mum Julie Stickland, who are both local to Bath, all contributed to the tribute Jessica has put together for her sister. Jessica said: “We will remember Gem with love and pride, knowing that she was happy in her life. We will picture her smiling and laughing. Some of her close family and friends are having tattoos of butterflies or the letter G in memory of Gem.” “So many things remind us of Gem, since she died the butterfly has come to represent her. Lots of family and friends have been catching sight of them ever since and they always remind us of Gem.” Gemma attended Longwell Green primary, before moving on to Oldfield Girls’ School. She left Oldfield after completing her A-levels and at that time had already started working at the Bath Chronicle on Saturdays in the front office on Westgate Street, later moving on to the head office until 2002. She then went on to work at Axa in Bristol between 2002 and 2011. In 2011 she started working at Royal London Group (previously Ascentric) as a team manager. Jessica said: “She was well loved at work and was extremely conscientious. She enjoyed spending a lot of time with friends and family. “She loved to run and was signed up to run the Bath Half this year but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the weather. She loved to raise money for charity and was also signed up for more events.” The family have struggled to cope with the loss of Gemma, but they are finding strength in asking themselves what she would do in this situation. Jessica said: “It has left a massive hole in the lives of her close family and friends. It has been an extremely tough time for Tom, Grace, Bobby and all the family. We feel extremely sad to have lost Gem. “Yet at those times we remember Gem and think, ‘What would Gem say. What would Gem do?’ “We know that she would want us to be happy. We want to make her proud by being there for the kids. Grace and Bobby will keep us going.” Gemma affected the lives of many people she came into contact with. Marie Ashton worked with her at the Bath Chronicle. Marie said: “She was bright, bubbly, funny and a very good worker, was also well liked by our customers, she made my day brighter by having her around.” Gemma’s family is preparing for her funeral which is due to be held on Thursday, July 12, at Westerleigh Crematorium in Bristol. Jessica has released the following tribute on behalf of the family: “Our darling Gem, life will never be the same without you. “You have been everything and more that we could ever have wished for in a daughter, sister, wife and mummy. “We are so, so proud of the woman you became and the wonderful mum you are to Grace and Bobby. “We are so blessed to have had you in our lives Gem and we will miss you beyond words. This sadness will never leave us, yet we are so thankful for all the wonderful memories we have shared.” The family has set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for the charity Winston’s Wish in Gemma’s name. The charity aims to improve bereavement support services for children affected by trauma.