Dear (Uncle) Gerald, Sarah and Timothy,
We are all so terribly saddened to hear the news about (Aunty) Wendy and wanted to share with you some thoughts and memories we have of a very special and treasured lady who played a big role in our lives many years ago. Our biggest memory is of a lady with a great zest for life, someone who shared her laughs and jokes with everyone and who could bring the whole room to laughter with such ease. The way she threw her head back and laughed so easily is a memory we all share - Mum talks about sitting round the table in their chalet bungalow in Scotland, eating Wendy's raspberry cheesecake (we all have the recipe and it is a staple at all our family parties!). Her bright pink lipstick deserves a special mention of its very own - we have been trying to remember the name - Teasing Pink?? Could that be right?
I (Jane) came and stayed with you all in Nottingham during the summer holidays when I was about 10 - I remember feeling very grown up as I had the double bed in the spare room, Aunty Wendy made me milky coffee in the evenings - very grown up!- and we went to Nottingham Castle - we also had lemon cheesecake!!
A memory from when you lived in Runcorn is when we went swimming - Sarah and I dressed in our swimming costumes in the house and then put our clothes over the top. When we came out after swimming, I had to go home with no knickers on as I had forgotten to take any with me! How Aunty Wendy must have roared with laughter!! I have never forgotten the embarrassment and have never done it since!
Please know that we are all thinking of you and sharing your grief. We loved Wendy so much - in my memories, she will always have the word Aunty in front of her name!
With our love and thoughts,
Jane, Diana and Alison