About 140 of us crammed into the Chapel at Basingstoke Crematorium this afternoon on her wedding anniversary – a testament to all those people who Joyce had touched during her very varied and busy life in the Valley and beyond.  Her family members resplendent in lilac scarfs or ties – her favourite colour.

Julie Wren read the following moving eulogy:

‘Joyce my sister.

Born on the 30th March 1957 daughter to Jack and Molly.

Joyce was a kind loyal sister and friend, also very hard working, she never stopped.  Many of you here today will have met Joyce through her many jobs over the years, whether from working at Webbs in the 70’s of behind a bar or as a book keeper.  Joyce was good with numbers but could not spell for toffee.

There are too many memories to share with you all today about our lives together and you will all have your own to think about, but I think all of my brothers and sisters will remember the special Christmases we had as children, mum and dad never had a lot of money and each Christmas one of us would get a main present and the rest of us would have little ones and each year we would surround mum and dad’s bed where they had little piles of presents all around , and one year it would be the eldest to open first and the next year the youngest.  I remember one year Joyce telling Sally and myself off for moaning about having to wait so long (there is quite a lot of us) Joyce was always in the middle whichever way we started so never minded, and I remember the fireworks we had at home in the garden although they were a bit dangerous now I look back.

An auntie to so many but she never forgot a birthday.

I think Joyce would say her most proudest moment in life is that of a mother to Andrew and Stuart they have asked me to share with you some good life lessons she taught them as they grew, such as always respect others and fight for what you believe if you have something to say just say it and never be afraid to ask the worst they can say is no, if you want anything work hard for it there are no short cuts, everybody is equal we all come in the same way and go out the same way.  Life is short and to finish…only the best die young.

But also as a Nanna to Sienna and Ethan, Joyce loved being a Nanna and we will make sure as a whole family they have lovely memories to look back on as they grow up.

And of a wife Joyce met Malcolm whilst buying a washing machine when he worked at Woodhouse in Winchester she said she could not work it so Malcolm came over to show her and the rest, as they say is history.

They married in 1989, 26 years to this day.

They would spend time on the patio in the garden watching the shooting stars in the sky and now when ever we see one we will think of her.

Joyce loved cruising whether it was on the Norfolk Broads with Marilyn and John and family or with her own family, or on the big liners on the ocean seas.  Though she did have a few difficulties trying to stay out of the water.  Joyce had her issues, but we are here today to celebrate the life we had with her and the precious memories we will treasure as an acquaintance a friend a sister an auntie a mother a nanna and a wife.

Rest in peace our lovely.’