Four strong themes of the second half of Dees life were Family, Friendship, Travel and Having a Go. She and Brad were never so happy as when with family. They were loving, supportive parents and  wonderful grandparents They showed exceptional dedication to the wellbeing of Brads mother in her final years. Family really mattered so much to them. 

But so did friends. They both had a gift for friendship. Bill & Monica, Derek & Sylvia, Noel & Nan, Tony & Beryl, Derek & Mollie, Percy & Jean, the list of friends goes on and on. Apologies if you are not mentioned, you know what you meant to them. They were life-enhancing people to know and hugely valued and enjoyed their friendships - friendships which often developed around singing, Rotary, church or simple neighbourliness. 

Dee found friendships particularly important during Brads final illness and his death on 11th January 2004. He became ill when off the Mexican coast on one of their greatly enjoyed cruises, planned to include a visit to daughter Monica in California. Anyone who knows Dee knows how much she missed Brad and how irreplaceable he was in her heart. Anniversaries were hugely important to her. She had organised a Mass to be said for Brads 20th anniversary on 11th Jan 2024. As it turned out, it was said for both of them. 

Dee and Brad had moved to Mytchett after retirement, enjoying life and friendships there very much. Now Dee had to make a new life, which she did with admirable determination, moving to a flat in Camberley. Not slowed down by having had a quadruple heart bypass at 69, she traveled to Antarctica, Australia, America, and various Pacific Islands. Family and friends were often involved. Going up in a glider and swimming with a dolphin were just two of her exploits in this busy period. 

At 87, Dee took the courageous decision to move North to live in the Blundellsands Classic, a retirement complex in Blundellsands, on the coast near Liverpool. Her always abundant common sense meant she gave up driving at 88, but she was always up for a trip out. All contact with Family and Friends was hugely valued. One trip was with David to visit Sr. Raphael (Monica F) in Stanbrook Abbey near Thirsk. Monica, a beloved friend, had been Dee’s bridesmaid in 1951. 

Dee’s 90th birthday celebration in Blundellsands was a wonderful occasion with many family present. As her 90s progressed she finally gave up her beloved cruises and drew a line under trips to America, though not before getting to Idaho to be present at Monica and Jerry’s wedding. Going flying in Jerrys plane had to happen of course! A few years later she celebrated her 96th birthday with a flight in a two person ultralight which delighted her. A few months later she greatly enjoyed a visit from niece Madeleine, one of the Donaldson clan - family always first! Visits from grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were always so very special for her. Never a duty, always a joy. 

It says everything about Dee that in October 2023 she was the driving force behind her last ‘big adventure’ . She and Berni visited the Camberley/ Frimley area doorstepping old friends Derek and Dee, and seeing Brads plaque in Frimley church. Then on to Harrow, visiting old homes and surprising old friend Jean. And then finally to Suffolk to visit scenes from childhood. Dee was thrilled to find the house in which she was born. 

Did Dee have some intimation that this was something she had to do before she died. Who knows? She did have health battles but was uncomplaining. On December 21st 2023 David took his beloved Mum down to Berni and Johns in Herefordshire for Christmas. What a surprise - Monica was there!! It was a wonderful moment - the film of it is a treasured keepsake for the family. Dee’s pleasure in spending an evening with all three of her children is a heartwarming memory. She even won a game of cards! On Christmas Day she ‘attended’ Mass on the computer (she’d gone to church on her mobility scooter until covid). On Dec 27th, after Monicas return to America, Dee woke up very unwell. She was admitted to Hereford Hospital but died peacefully in her sleep early on the 29th. Her last words to Berni the previous day had been words of love. Very very fitting for a life with so much love in it. Dee. Mum. Grandmother. Greatgrandmother. Aunt. Friend. Irreplaceable. Beloved. Inspirational. ❤️