The obituary notice of Gwynneth Elizabeth (Gwen) RICKARDS (Briggs)

You fed us well, you made us strong.
You taught us to know right from wrong.
You made us feel that we belong.
You showed us the value of a song.
You gave us live, you gave us love.
You always knew the way we felt.
You used the words you thought might heal.
You convinced us it was no big deal.
Your advice would keep it real.
You gave us life, you gave us love.
Broken hearts you liked to mend.
It was not in your nature to offend.
Birthday cards you'd always send.
You knew the value of family and friends.
You give us life, you give us love.
You left us now, you've gone away.
Were left behind, we have to stay.
So we’ll just have to pray.
We’ll meet you again another day.
You always had that 'special touch.
We all loved you so very, very much.
You gave us life, you gave us love.
Please watch over us from above.

Gwen was my Nan, our Nan, Nanny Gwen.

As I got older I realised you wasn’t just my Nan you became my friend too, you were someone who listened and would tell me what to do. Home grown alligator see you later, as soon as we heard those words we would both be up on the dance floor, We enjoyed a dance and sing even if we both made up the words.
Nothing was every too much for Nan rain or shine she was walking to pick us up from school and she’d make sure we all had the same amount of sweets from the shop Rianne and me had to pick Paul and Mark sweets so they wasn’t left out. She then went on to collect Lucy and Owen and had to catch buses to collect them but it was never to much and she never moaned because she was our Nan. Even making me and Ollie Sunday dinners every Sunday she didn’t moan once.
Once we had all left school she even use to walk to take Elmo for his walks (she’ll be saying now that silly dog)
She was such an amazing Nan I loved going there after school and in the holidays we had our own cups for a cup of tea and the toast for our suppa before bed was the best, she would sing us songs in bed untill we fell to sleep. She was funny and caring but also put us in our place like the time she chased me up the garden path with soap to wash my mouth out, we could all get a bit cheeky but that’s because we was so comfortable she made us feel safe and secure.
Life’s going to be weird without you here we have always had you there,
I could go on for ages about all the memories and things that come to my but we’re all going to miss you like words can’t explain. Were so grateful for the time that we had with you
I have a poem I am going to finish with

Yesterday we said a loving farewell to Gwen, so many memories and special moments were shared. Love you Gwen xxxx

Gwen,

My favourite dancing queen!
It was a pleasure to have known you, wonderful lady!

I hope you’ve got your dancing shoes with a Bacardi in hand up there!

You’ll be greatly missed.
Charlotte xx