The obituary notice of Marion APPLETON

Marion was a wonderful companion to my late father Frank in his latter years. They shared many holidays together and shared many friends in the Whitley Bay U3A. I'm sure she will be missed by all who knew her and remembered fondly. Sending love to Lesley, Claire and all her family.
Alec, Wiltshire

Marion was the loved and loving partner of my dad, Frank Stansfield, for about fifteen years - I don't remember the dates exactly - in the later part of their lives. They met at the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) where Marion was Chairman (Chairwoman?) for nine years before being elected Honorary President for 2007-2008. Frank became Treasurer, and later managed the U3A website. Marion and Frank enjoyed many cruises together, all around the world, and even managed to visit Arizona in the USA where I live with my family. Living so far away, we visited when we could, and introduced as many of Frank's grandchildren to he and Marion as possible.
Returned from one cruise among Caribbean islands, Marion and Frank were tickled pink to show us a bottle of "Appleton Rum" which they had brought back from a surprise visit to a rum distillery. Marion outlived my dad by a year but was strong enough to live a lot longer than most of us.
My condolences go to Marion's daughter Leslie, her granddaughters and other family members. I hope the ceremony is as much a celebration of Marion's long life as a sad remembrance.
Robert Stansfield, Tucson, AZ.