I first met Mrs Smith in 1980 when my best friend Jill knew of my broken heart and said she knew someone who could help me well that was the biggest understatement ever!! From the moment I met Mrs Smith my life changed, I knew I had met someone very special and was privileged to call Mother.
You were a true ‘one-off’ with a zeal for life, a great sense of humour and a passion for your work, and you would light up any room and make everyone feel special. You lived your life to the full, not a moment wasted – we all knew you would never really retire and you ran the race to the end.
I will always be deeply grateful to you; it was my honour and great privilege to know you and be your spiritual daughter. I can never repay the debt I owe, how you helped me, my family through all the years and shared your family with me. All your cards and letters are treasured. What I can do now is to follow on with gratitude, a thankful heart. I will carry you in my heart always – forever loved – forever missed.
My sincere condolences to Stephen and James and all the family.
PS – I’ve attached a photo of you running the race – it was an egg and spoon race for one of your fundraising Garden of Gifts events in July 2012, you were looking very glamorous too
