The obituary notice of Monique Silvia RAWLINGS

This mandala was created by some of Mon’s friends in Devon, using petals, leaves, shells and other natural materials gathered on an October day, to express our friendship and love for her.

We had no idea what it would become when we began. It took shape naturally as we worked quietly together, becoming something beautiful and rich in colour, a fitting tribute to Mon.

It was a grey, stormy morning, but the sun came out, bringing a lovely warmth, that made the time we spent creating it feel all the more special.

When we had finished, we carefully gathered it up and carried it down to the river. We watched as the mandala drifted gently away along the beautiful River Dart, its colours and natural materials slowly carried downstream, returning to nature.

It was a very special moment, a way of celebrating our friendship with Mon and beginning to say goodbye.
With love, Ally, Becky, Marie and Nicky xxxx

We are so sad to lose our beautiful Daughter-in-law, so full of life. Our hearts go out to our son Howard and his lovely boys, devastated by her leaving. Also to Silvia, Mark and family.

Our family gatherings will never be the same without your smile and sense of fun, Monique - you were such a vital part of us.

Rest in Peace dear.

Myrtle and Michael 
xxx

Monique,

Our families have shared so many wonderful memories in Elm Trees. Your humour, kindness, and beautiful smile always brought joy to those around you. We hope you have found peace now.

Sending strength and love to your family during this difficult time. You will be dearly missed. Lots of love Jen, Helen & Alex xxx

The brightest lights burn fast xx

Monique, my life is all the better for knowing you and having the privilege to call you my friend. You will forever have a place in my heart. Find your peace now and rest easy xx

It’s easy to eulogise someone after death, to make them sound almost impossibly wonderful. But Mon, I didn’t need to wait until you were gone to know how wonderful you were.

You listened with the ears of your heart, your head gently cocked to one side, and responded with love and wisdom, even though I suspect you doubted yourself far too often. You had a rare gift for making people feel heard, understood and cared for, simply by being there.

I feel so lucky, and so grateful, that our paths crossed at the school gates in the Devon village we once shared. What began there became nearly twenty years of friendship, and you brought so much to my life.

I hope I can carry something of you into my other relationships, and pass on some of the love and kindness you gave me so freely, so humbly, so naturally.

I keep thinking of a line from Thornton Wilder: “There's a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love.”

I think of that bridge, Mon, and of all the love you gave in your too short life. That love won't disappear. It will live on in Howard, Edi and George, and in all of us who were lucky enough to have known you and loved you. And I hope that, in the years ahead, we'll still feel your love and kindness guiding us, even though you're no longer here.

I miss you so much.