THESE ARE THE MEMORIES LEFT BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THIS WEBSITE PLEASE ADD YOURS FROM THE FORM ON THE CELEBRATION PAGE.
I will never forget Ann’s laugh – it was more like a wonderful cackle really. But there was nothing like her laugh when she was laughing at Cliff. I didn’t know dinner time could be a happy place until I lived with Ann, Cliff and Laura. Just to laugh around the table every night because why wouldn’t you? And most of the time it was a story about Cliff’s ever ridiculous antics. We would be in stitches ‘til Ann was crying, Laura couldn’t breathe, and I laughed so hard that I sounded like what Cliff referred to as “the whale mating call”, all the while Cliff would sit there somewhat bewildered that his escapades could cause such a riot. Ann taught me that every hot drink tastes better out of bone china. To always add oil to your pasta water to stop it sticking together. She taught me that “less is more” when it comes to make up, but every time she’d say “much is more” and seconds later you’d hear “not again, less is more! LESS! God every time” while laughing to herself. She taught me to listen to my gut and to always, always trust it. Ann taught me what it was like to be treated with respect and trust by an adult. She was hard as nails at times but with the softest heart. She believed in people, even when they didn’t believe in themselves. Ann taught me what it means to be a fighter, to never give up and that no matter how tough the world can be, anything is possible if you back yourself. Before Ann passed away we had this guy called Edd start at work. The second time we met he called me “Nai” and I grinned from ear to ear. He asked what I was smiling at and if it was okay to call me Nai, as he did it out of habit from one of his close friends. I explained how the only people who called me Nai were Ann and Laura, and the reason I smiled so much was because I instantly heard Ann’s voice. Every time he called me that over 2 years it still made me smile. Ann didn’t care to be liked by everyone for the sake of it, and she made her own mind up about people, and I am so thankful she made her own mind up about getting to know me, loving me when I needed it the most and giving me the chance of a future. Ann taught me how ageing wasn’t something to be afraid of; she so wanted silver hair like Cliffs but hers just wouldn’t turn grey. In a world that tells you to cover up grey hairs Ann was out there seeing the beauty in them. If I’m lucky enough to grow old and grey then I shall appreciate every silver hair I have. And if I get to live a life even half as full of love and laughter that Ann had, then I will count myself one of the luckiest. Forever in my heart Ann, Nai xxxxx
My overriding memory of Ann is of the warmth in which she welcomed me into her home as I worked alongside Cliff. She was both interesting and interested with a great sense of fun and an enviable gift for storytelling. The door was always open, the kettle forever on, and the chit chat flowing xx
My name is Graham Southcombe, and I’m from New Zealand. As Cliff’s first cousin, I have had the privilege of learning about Ann through her life with Cliff, even though we never had the opportunity to meet her in person. From what we’ve come to know, Ann’s vibrant life, her passions, and her determination to achieve her goals have left a lasting impression on all of us. We wish to extend our heartfelt love and blessings to Ann’s whānau (family and extended family). Should you ever find yourselves in Aotearoa New Zealand, please know that our home will always be open to you. Kia kaha (stay strong). May God bless you always. With love, Graham, Bernadette, Priscilla, Mark, Zenobia, and David
I remember Ann joining my wedding celebration in Krakow. She looked beautiful and wore an elegant hat ( like a British lady does:). She was very surprised to realize that in Poland nobody does it:) After the wedding she left the hat to my mum. She still hold it in Krakow.
I remember Ann as a feisty, attractive woman who came from one mental and physical place and radically moved to another place. I was privileged to attend Ann and Cliff’s wedding and have worked and relaxed with them for many years. Ann’s memory will always be part of my understanding of what people are capable of if they have fire in their belly and a willingness to work hard and give it a go.
Ann was a huge part of my childhood, Laura was like a sister to me growing up and I spent so much time at their house. I remember going to Croatia with Ann, Cliff and Laura, it was an amazing trip and I am forever grateful for her looking after me like I was one of her own
We were friends & neighbours for 16 years and enjoyed many nights out for meals and were all members of our beloved quiz night at The Victoria Hotel. We had quite a few city breaks too with the whole quiz team. Happy days. Ann will be sadly missed. Margaret & Alan Dawson
I remember the day you walked into my workplace and into my life, some 42 years later I held your hand with our daughter as you took your last breaths. In between you filled my life with your unconditional love, I became a father and grandfather, you were my companion on so many adventures, you not only changed your life for the better, you changed me for the better and I will have you in my heart until the day I die
Wonderful happy memories of my lovely auntie Ann.. even though she was small she was mighty in character! Her love and dedication to her family was crystal clear. Her wit, sense of humour, no nonsense approach to life and cheeky laugh are what makes me look back and smile. Auntie Ann was maid of honour to my mum, her sister Marion in 1984 when she married, and I have fond memories of that day. I’m absolutely sure they will both be up there together now looking down on their son, daughters and grandchildren with huge smiles, raising a glass, and saying .. we did ok didn’t we our kid. Thank you for being a wonderful Auntie and all the special memories we shared xxx