I am honoured to have been asked by Uncle Michael, to speak today about Auntie Viv, and I do so on behalf of my sister Alison, my brother Geoffrey and our parents Chris and Celia.
We have many fond memories of Vivien over the last 46 years and I'm sure others here will have many of their own treasured memories.
In 1971, our parents happened to move next door to Viv and Michael in Bearsted, Maidstone, and it turned out to be a very lucky move. The new-build houses were terraced and the low-metal-mesh, back garden fencing enabled lots of catching-up, morning cups of coffee, jokes and laughter.
My sister, brother and I were all born in the 70s and Viv became my Godmother. Mum always found Viv supportive while bringing the three of us up and we children have known Uncle Michael and Auntie Viv all of our lives. Unfortunately not blessed with children themselves, Auntie and Uncle embraced us as if we were their family, and as time went on and experiences shared, this bond has only grown stronger.
So, Michael and Viv are known to us and in our family as 'Auntie Viv' and 'Uncle Michael'.
As many will know, Auntie could be quite quiet and reserved, but blossomed when you got to know her better. Often a wicked sense of humour. More recently, she promised me a gift at my hen party, of something 'sparkly and shiny'. Little did I know that this was going to turn out to be a wrapped up bottle of oven cleaner...! Boy, did she giggle when she saw my face!
We have fond memories that remain with us, of an always immaculately-dressed Auntie, never without make-up, neatly coiffured hair, the smartest clothes (even if just a 'cardy') and slippers that looked like a new pair every time we saw her.
As children in the Maidstone days, we recall summer afternoons of Mum and Auntie chatting and laughing, often over a cup of tea or whilst doing gardening. Auntie's laugh will always be in our heads, as well as her always telling-Uncle Michael-off at any given opportunity! We noticed as we got older, that if any of us told a joke or were a bit cheeky or risqué, she'd grin and act as if she was mortified, but really found things quite funny!
Auntie's home was immaculate, including the net curtains hanging regimentally which Mum could never replicate, no matter how hard she tried! We can remember popping next door as young kids and Mum saying, 'for goodness sake, don't touch anything'. Alison and I never did touch one of those coloured glass clowns on the mantelpiece and we so wanted to!
When we were babies, Mum recalls her and Viv going for walks in Mote Park and naughtily cutting down Holly and stuffing it under my pram to bring home to decorate for Christmas. As Mum and Auntie were alone during the days, with working husbands, they supported each other and found their own enjoyment together. Both quite reserved individuals, but finding common interests and moments of fun. And then there was 'the mole'. The animal was quickly burrowing and coming up in Auntie and Uncle's garden and ours, with the adults trying to catch it and laughing themselves silly. Auntie would recount that occasion fondly a few times.
We moved away to Bromley in 1981 and Auntie and Uncle moved a couple of times locally around Maidstone. Our friendship remained strong. Auntie invited us and our families, to one of Uncle's big Birthday celebrations at their local pub in Loose and it was a wonderful evening of fun and good food. We often went there when we visited them more recently.
We have also been grateful for Auntie supporting us through family tragedy. We recall being at our young Aunt's funeral (Mum's sister), turning around and feeling so comforted by Auntie and Uncle unexpectedly turning up for us. They were hurting because we were hurting. We also felt for you Auntie when you lost your beloved dog - Barney. You loved animals, including your past cats - 'Pepper' and 'Poppy' and more recently, kittens Skye and Storm. I know they continue to miss you, and apparently they have been keeping Uncle 'on his toes'.
Auntie and Uncle have always been there and have been particularly interested when our 4 children arrived - and yes, they remain Auntie and Uncle to them too. Auntie never forgot ours, or our children's birthdays. Always sending the most beautiful and thoughtful cards - often handmade by a neighbour and quite spectacular. Only the best for us, and that was the way she wanted it. No argument.
As you will know Auntie was very poorly following brain surgery that took place nearly a year ago. Although initially Auntie appeared to do well, the subsequent strokes took their toll. We could see that her progress was slow and it was difficult for all, to come to terms with the change. We knew Auntie was anxious before her surgery but she still appeared to us, to enter into it with courage and determination.
We are so grateful that we had an opportunity to go and see Auntie just before this Christmas. We were cheered by how well she seemed to be doing considering what she had been through and we all took comfort that Uncle had managed to arrange for her to receive care in the lovely Staplehurst Nursing Home. Auntie was very 'on the ball' that day, knowing who we all were and our families. Her sense of humour shone through and she told us she had been up very late the night before doing crosswords with Uncle Michael and some of the other residents. We believe she was very comfortable and happy there and we will treasure that day and the photographs we took, forever.
All of us have voiced just how much we have missed Auntie's regular phone calls over the last year. The greatest gift you can give to someone is your time and Auntie always made time for us - always so very thoughtful. We all developed our own special relationships with her over time and she knew us all inside out and our funny quirks.
Our parents will miss their dear friend, and we will miss our Auntie who will live-on in our hearts forever. Although heartbroken, we feel so blessed to have known you Auntie, and we feel so blessed to still have you Uncle. Now it's time to rest in peace dear Auntie Viv.
