This poem was meaningful to Joan and has been a great source of comfort to us all. In the moment of her passing the sun was bright and the sky was blue as she took her journey to a better place. When I Must Leave You By Helen Steiner Rice When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky! You will always be in our thoughts and our love will keep us close. Helen, Dave, Phoebe and Megan x

As a child I remember Joan being a wonderful, supportive friend to both my parents and myself. She would help whenever she could, making sandwiches and food on more than one occasion to help mum with a family celebration. There is a specific memory I have, when I was a teenager, of Joan talking with me about an argument I’d had with my mum. She helped me to understand mum’s point of view in a calming and caring way. Thinking of Joan reminds me of her natural abilities, she was a sewing wizard and could turn her hand to many practical problems, a resourceful, kind woman who worked hard all of her life. She loved her family dearly and it was lovely to watch her smile and laugh with them. She will be lovingly missed. Love Jo, sending thoughts from Australia. From Jo's family, known to Joan as the Jenkins family.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Joan. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.