As fabulous as a funeral can be!
When a dear friend passes away, it is a sad time and when it happens quickly shock hits you hard.
A very dear friend of my parents, made a rapid departure from the earthly plain.
40 years of very close friendship gone in the blink of an eye.
Anne was an amazing women that you simply could not dislike. The life of every party, the organizer of many a soiree, and never without a glass of bubbles or red in her hand in her hand except for breakfast!
Having lived an amazing life, right to the very last minute, at 84 she was gone in a flash, thankfully without years of pain and suffering.
She enjoyed every minute of her life, and so her funeral had to reflect how she lived.
And so it was…..
No church, hall or crematorium, just her favourite place on earth, the beach!
No coffins, hearses or pallbearers, just family, friends and sunshine.
There were flowers, photo’s and a celebrant. Lovingly delivered speeches by those closest to her. There were tears but also lot’s of smiles as some of her more hilarious moments were remembered.
At the end of the service, we all walked down to the water’s edge to throw flowers into the ocean.
And there was bubbles, and wine and delectable nibbles, served at a stunning home, generously provided by good friends.
As the sun went down over the stunning scenery, we laughed, joked, remembered, cried and drank some more.
Anne’s family live all over the country and it usually takes a wedding or a funeral to bring them all together in one place. Some of them I had not seen since we were children playing and going to ballet classes in Papua New Guinea. They have married and have had children that are all grown up. A whole new family has joined my Facebook feed.
Anne, we did our best to give you a farewell that was totally in sync with your life.
I think we did good!
So sorry to hear of your loss, but what a beautiful send off xxx
It sure was!
I’m so sorry for your loss Nikki. From the place Anne is now, I’m sure she was smiling when she saw all of you reunited together to say goodbye in such a beautiful way.
I never thought funerals could be fun, but this one sure was.
Nikki, thanks so much for this. Its wonderful to hear Anne’s send off was so special. I’m a niece from the UK and so have only had sporadic contact with our Aussie relatives over the years. It was wonderful to read this and feel connected
You are welcome Becky. 🙂
Final farewell from me in the UK. Anne was very much part of my family when growing up at Setch in Norfolk, UK. Married to my half brother John, there was great excitement when they arrived at my parents house. It was like a whirlwind as they were always so happy together and full of life. I would often see them during holidays in Oxwich, Wales and on one occasion we all shared a villa in Blanes, on the Costa Brava in Spain. Their kids were only young at that time. Later on in life I visited Them both in Noosa when Joh was in hospital. Anne and I got the chance to spend time together and share memories of the past and catch up on our lives as they were. Always hospitable, always humorous, always sophisticated and a true English lady, Anne will always have a place in my heart. Rest in peace my dear.
Glad I could share her wonderful farewell with you. xx