Nanny Joan: The Day Went Beautifully

Nanny Joan: The Day Went Beautifully 

Nanny Joan's funeral took place last Monday, in Torquay; it felt so strange to be driving down to the West Country especially for her, yet knowing we would not be able to see her and share her company again. 

Because it was a long way, we stayed overnight in Exeter, so that we would have no problem in getting there in good time on Monday morning; we didn't want to be faced with the possibility of heavy traffic and hold-ups en route. In fact, we arrived at about 10.30 and parked outside the funeral directors' offices, and went in to see the gentleman on the desk. 

I asked if it would be possible for me to see Joan to say my personal goodbye? It was, and I went in to the Chapel of Rest to say a little prayer and a few words of farewell. Joan looked beautiful and I was so glad I had gone in to see her. 

There was then still quite some time to wait until the funeral at 12.00, so we drove into the town centre for a little while; Wendy and Al had driven down separately, and we met up with them when it was nearly midday. By then, many other members of Joan's family had also arrived, some of whom I was meeting for the first time. 

The service was simple and sincere, and it was also a celebration of Joan's life. Afterwards, the family had arranged a buffet lunch at a very nice pub; again, I was very pleased to have the opportunity of meeting more of Joan's wider family, and catching up with those people that I already knew. 

Facing a lengthy journey back home, we could not stay long in Torquay; soon we had to leave to drive back to London, but it had been well worth while, making the effort to attend. I only wish it could have been an occasion when Joan was still with us, but we have such happy memories of all those past years of knowing her, and the day was a real celebration of her life, and all the love she inspired. 

We shall never forget her.