Tributes have been left this week to remember loved ones in Rossendale who have passed away over the Christmas period.
Announcing the death of a family member has been a time-honoured tradition for family and loved ones. We have gathered the messages posted this week in one place.
To see the full list of death notices, in memoriams, and birthday memoriams, then please visit the Rossendale section in Funeral Notices online. You can search by names, date range, and filter by time or alphabetically.
Here is a list of those who have appeared over the last week. Our thoughts go out to all friends, family and loved ones.
You can leave your tributes in the comments below.
Margaret Kerr-Ames
Margaret Kerr-Ames
Margaret Kerr-Ames from Haslingden passed away peacefully at East Lancashire Hospice on December 21 surrounded by her loving family.
She was married to Bob Kerr for 60 years before he died in 2015, and together they had four daughters, Gina, Susan, Louise and Joanna. Margaret and Bob loved spending time with the children in the family – she had nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren.
Before she retired Margaret worked in Rossendale General Hospital as an Auxiliary nurse. Margaret was an firm believer in lifelong learning and in 1989 she attained a degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Sheffield.
Margaret had a zest for life and loved meeting people. She particularly enjoyed visiting her daughter Joanna in London and exploring the city.
Margaret attended Haslingden United Reform Church before joining Haslingden Baptist Church at which she became a Deacon. In 2021 she married Gordon Ames and they spent many happy times together in their home on Grane Park.
Margaret’s funeral will take place on Monday, January 6 at 10am at St Veronica’s Church Hall, Helmshore Road, Helmshore followed by a committal at Accrington Crematorium at 11am. No flowers please.
Donations in memory of Margaret will be received for the Parkinson’s Society via the funeral director Paul or Georgina at Johnson, Durning and Woods Funeral Service, Pleasant Street, Haslingden BB4 5LG.
Simon Clayton
Simon Clayton of Lower Stonefield, Rising Bridge passed away on November 24 at Blackburn Hospital, aged 58 years.
Simon was a same day courier. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing darts, watching football (Leeds Utd), cycling when he had time and listening to music.
Simon leaves behind children Gaenor Clayton, Jamie Clayton, Sophie Clayton, grandchildren Clayton Derbyshire and Blaire-Rose Derbyshire. A service will be held on Thursday, January 9 at Burnley Crematorium at 1.45pm, conducted by Andrew Robinson.
Donations to Rossendale Responsible Animal Rescue. Donations can be made online:- www.fredhamer.co.uk (tributes and donations)
Funeral director: Dawn Winfield, Fred Hamer Funeral Service, James Street, Rawtenstall, BB47NE.
(Mary) June Houliston
(Mary) June Houliston
June Houliston of Cherry Crescent, Rawtenstall passed away at East Lancashire Hospice on December 19, aged 77 years.
June was a retired civil servant. She enjoyed travelling, walking, pilates, singing in choir, spending time with family.
June leaves behind her husband Murray, children Claire and David; sister Irene, son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Lindsey; grandchildren Kirsty, Finlay, Eryn and Rowan. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 6 at Accrington Crematorium at 1.40pm.
Family flowers only. Any donations to East Lancashire Hospice or Pancreatic Cancer UK via https://www.fredhamer.co.uk/tributes-and-donations/?q=Houliston
Attendees are invited to wear a splash of colour if they wish. Funeral director: Dawn Winfield, Fred Hamer Funeral Service, James Street, Rawtenstall, BB47NE.
James Thomas Whipp (Jim)
James Thomas Whipp (Jim) passed away peacefully at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, Derby on Friday, November 29, age 64.
Only son of the late James Thomas Senior and the late Brenda Whipp, Jim is survived by his three daughters Toni, Amy and Molly and their families. He was nephew to Keith, brother to Janet and uncle to Daniel and Sarah, he is also survived by many cousins.
His friends will remember him for his lifelong love of Burnley Football Club. Jim’s funeral will take place on Friday, January, 17 at 10.45am.
A cremation will be held at The Willow Room, Bretby Crematorium, Burton on Trent. His ashes will be interred in the family plot in Rawtenstall Cemetery at a later date (to be arranged).
Family flowers only, however any donations would be appreciated to Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing (charity number 1189109) who supported the family during the late Brenda’s illness. Enquiries to Fred Hamer Funeral Servies, Rawtenstall.
Annie Ashworth (nee McNulty)
Annie Ashworth (nee McNulty)
Annie Ashworth (nee McNulty) passed away on December 18, fortified by the rites of Holy Mother Church, aged 104.
Growing up in a farming community in County Mayo, Ireland, she was the last surviving of five siblings. Like many others, she emigrated to England in the 1950s and after working in different locations including Lincolnshire and Manchester, she secured a post as Cook and Housekeeper for Kearns Mill’s Glen House, a Hostel for Irish Women in Cowpe, where she was very happy and met many friends.
Always kind, thoughtful and helpful, she was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Newchurch for most of her life and it was there that she met her late, beloved husband Thomas. Later, she worked in the shoe industry and finally as a housekeeper for the late Parish Priest, Rev. Father Duffy.
Her hobbies included reading, baking, cooking, embroidery and knitting. She enjoyed travelling back ‘home’ to Ireland to re-unite with her family on many occasions and especially loved trips to Knock Shrine.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter Margaret, son-in-law Steven and granddaughter, Abigail and wider family and friends.
Reception and Vigil at St Peter’s Newchurch on Wednesday, January 8 at 7pm followed by Requiem Mass on Thursday, January 9 at 10.30am conducted by the Rev Simon Stamp, followed by interment at Rawtenstall Cemetery at 12pm. Family flowers only please.
But donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation if desired via the Funeral Director: Sharon Aspinall at Agape Funeral Service.
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