FRANCES (FRANKIE) MARJORIE EDMONDS - 14.5.1921 - 26.3.2017

Some of you will have been at the beautiful memorial service on Tuesday 2nd May at which we celebrated the life of our dear friend Frankie Edmonds.  We were all asked to wear cheerful colours and it turned out to be a happy gathering of family and old friends.  There were lovely tributes paid to her by Tricia her daughter and our Vicar, The Reverend Ginni Dear.  Ginni said that she just wished she had known her in her heyday as they obviously shared a great sense of fun.

Frankie loved what she called ‘the old tunes’, Vera Lynn, songs from My Fair Lady and many others which she remembered well, particularly from her wartime service with the WAAF.  Some of these were sung in church at the end of the service and we all burst into applause!  She would have loved it.

I first met Frankie in 1958 when John and I came to live here soon after we were married.  I think it must have been at a party someone gave to welcome us to the village.  Frankie and Humphrey would certainly have been there. John died in 1982 and I shall never forget the kindness they showed me, quite a young widow, during that difficult time.  They were both a rock of strength for me, socially and practically and with my family and other local friends, they put me back on my feet.

Frankie was a wonderful friend and support to so many people and although having no grandchildren of her own, never failed to show her interest in all our families. She loved young people and everyone I know enjoyed being in her company, she was indeed such fun.

Frankie never lost her spirit even after her dear Humphrey died and during her last few difficult months.  She left us, peacefully and quietly in her own home, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  It is good to know that after such a long and full life she will be safely reunited with her beloved Humphrey.

May they rest together in peace.

                                                                          Mary Blaksley

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