Good morning and welcome to Colchester crematorium. My name is Evelyn Rutter and it is my privilege to be taking this service for Anna Jane Irons. Today you will be honouring and celebrating Anna’s life. She was an attractive, very well spoken person with a lovely manner and will be remembered for her naughty sounding laugh. She was fun loving but who could also be shy and reticent if you didn’t know her. A lady who was loved by family and friends. This service for Anna is all about giving thanks for her life and for the times you spent together and for the experiences you shared. We shall begin with a poem which will be - Poem - ‘I Will Come Back’ Words seem so feeble in moments like these. Life is so precious and death such a thief. The depths of your pain I cannot comprehend, but I'll stand alongside you in the darkness, my friend. Love is a bond that death cannot part. Gone from your arms, but still held in your heart. The slideshow you are about to watch and the accompanying music has been collated and lovingly chosen by Graeme. Reading/poem will now be given by sister in law Lynne …………………………. tbc Memories of Anna Anna’s life is not to be judged by the final page in the story - instead we must look at her life in its entirety to see a true picture of Anna and then we shall realise that her life was one that was well lived and lived well. Anna passed from this world at only 58 years young and hers was a life that ended far too soon and so unexpectedly. Graeme would like to share his memories with you and says:- Anna we are here today to say goodbye to you, you were and still are the love of my life. As a very young baby Anna was adopted by Ruth and Freddy – she became the baby sister to Mark and Clive. Her childhood was a happy one and after her father died she and Ruth spent a great deal of time together. Their relationship was more than mother and daughter – they were like sisters and the best of friends. Anna was given an excellent education attending St Mary’s School. The family moved to West Mersea where they enjoyed living by the sea. Anna was employed at the same company as Shirley, my sister – throughout her life Anna held various positions working in the secretarial field – her skills were excellent so she was highly respected by all who employed her. She was a highly skilled list maker – nothing ever got missed – what to do today, tomorrow and on holiday. My diary was very skilfully organised. Thanks to Anna!! I met Anna at the Welshwood Arms in the early 80’s. I had to find the courage to speak to this lady whom I thought was beautiful inside and out. Individually we were part of a large group of friends so continued meeting one another at various pubs and bars in and around Colchester and at the Affair Club. Her mother Ruth was pivotal in our lives for many years up until she moved to Norfolk to live with Mike and Lynne. There we would visit on a regular basis and Ruth would often return to Colchester to enjoy many Christmases together. So after meeting Anna and falling in love with her we decided to make this a permanent relationship – Anna and Ruth were then on a mission to find a suitable home for us – preferably one they could renovate. In 1998 our ideal home was found in Winnock Road where they were able to paint, plaster, lay new floorboards, clear the garden and make it a home Anna and I could be proud of. As well as acquiring a new home Anna and I acquired a male cat or so we thought. Harvey the cat became Hattie the cat!! Then Rauri and Ginny arrived! Anna was a welcome member of my family having an affinity with the family. Holidays were shared with Evelyn and Len in Somerset and in the west country. Anna had been born in Exeter so felt that she had a definite connection. For nearly 40 years we had many adventures travelling around the country. In particular Glastonbury which was a favourite of Anna’ where she collected jewellery and any new age fripperies available at the time. Anna was a low powered new age hippy. Anna’s favourite past time was fashion and shopping. Thursday’s were shopping days - combing the shops including the charity shops. I swear she would take unwanted items to a charity shop then go next door to another and purchase more, all within a day – she was an expert shopper!! Her favourite shop was John Lewis – so shops in Colchester, Chelmsford, Thurrock and Blue Water are going to see a drop in sales. At the end of her shopping extravaganza both Anna and I after a couple of G& T’s would play our favourite music and Anna would treat me to a fashion show – deciding what to keep and what to return!! Anna and I travelled extensively abroad in the 80’s and the 90’s and more recently within the UK. In 2019 we holidayed in Tenerife – here Anna was in her element – she experienced being in heaven – having drinks in a small bar, the shops were open in the evening and here she could have her glass of wine and shop at the same time. Anna had a love of the West Country and of Scotland where we visited in 2017 to Edinburgh and 2018 to Inverness. We also enjoyed holidays with Mark and Lynne and with Clive in Paris life was good. Anna was a very private person but a few glasses of wine or G&T’s she would enjoy family get togethers – fireworks with Jenny and Ian, Shirley and Bob – however it was a bit of a damp squib! Memories of all being ready for a spectacular display, and unable to buy new fireworks - the family used aged ones which fizzled out, so sparklers were lit, and then the only pops and bangs were from the Prosecco. Anna only had a couple of dislikes in life and one was of social occasions where she didn’t know people and was a shy and reticent person until she got to know them. Another no no in her life was me being in my workshop too often. Anna you were unique and Graeme, your family, your friends will remember your sharp wit, at times your very dry sense of humour, your voice and the many gestures you gave but most of all for being Anna. Bless you from your family and friends. Poem and thoughts by Jennifer: Sister in law Jennifer will now share her thoughts of Anna and a reading with you which will be followed by Knocking On Heaven’s Door’ Poem: 'Still Held' …………………………. Reflective music: ‘Knocking On Heaven’s Door’ – Bob Dylan Farewell: And so it is at this part of the service when you say your final farewell to Anna. Anna was unique – and perhaps these words could be used to describe her thoughts before she passed. The cares of the world concern me no longer I have completed this life My work is done, My family is happy and healthy in their pursuits I have loved much and well To those I leave behind I hope I will remain in their hearts as they will in mine Thank you for taking such good care of me And all who have been my friends, thank you for teaching me about life and about love. So weep not for me now that I am gone For I have lived to see and feel the sun rise brilliant yellow above the sea And set in golden glory over distant fields. As I now commit the body of Anna Jane Irons to her natural end Please commit her hopes and ideals into your daily lives, commit her love to your hearts and her spirit to your memories. Rest peacefully Anna. Closing Words: This service for Anna has been one of many memories and emotions. And words can never express how you felt as you said your final goodbyes to her. You have loved and accepted Anna for whom she was, for what she gave to your lives, for all she stood for and after today you will be able to look back and be thankful for those memories. You will never find another person like Anna – she was definitely a unique lady and although no longer physically with you she will be remembered for the special part that she played in your lives. It was a role that made a difference to your world. So as you leave the chapel I hope you will do so in the sure knowledge that you have said goodbye to Anna in the best way possible and now I give you this Apache blessing to take with you: May the sun bring you new energy by day May the moon softly restore you by night May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being May you walk gently thru the world And know its beauty all the days of your lives. After the service you are all invited to the Peldon Rose for refreshments and Graham hopes that you will join him and share memories of and to raise a glass in Anna’s memory. And should you wish to make a donation in Anna’s memory the chosen charity is to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. And for our final piece of music: Exit Music: ‘White Horses’ – Jackie Lee