Angela Mary Francis

Angela Mary Francis
Born in Harwich, Essex, on the 3rd of September 1948.
Passed away, peacefully at home, aged 58, on the 1st of February 2007.
Angie was a truly amazing woman, who will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, mother, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, friends and everyone else whose lives were brightened by her presence. After an eventful life, she was struck down by a short illness which cruelly robbed her of her sight and mobility, this was then diagnosed as terminal cancer. My Mum faced this as she faced all of life's challenges, with huge dignity and courage. And although the cancer eventually took her life, it never defeated her. Mum never complained throughout her illness, and her thoughts, even towards the end, were always of her family and friends. She surprised us and joked with us every day, right up until her last moments. Then when she finally decided that she had done everything that she wanted to do, she gently slipped away, with loved ones around her.
My Mum loved life, and even when she faced hard times, she never quit, complained or gave up. Every day was a new day of fun and laughter for her, and she had a wicked sense of humour. If you were ever a victim of one of her wind-ups, then you know what I am talking about. She always had a smile, never judged people, and tried to find the best in everyone and everything. Looking back now, I can see how she always tried to please everyone. Even when it caused herself pain or hardship, she would always put others first. Right now, I'm sure she's telling us all to cheer up, and to stop getting on her pip.
Always happiest when she was working, she would try her hands at many things, and seemed to make everything look effortless. She would put her heart and soul into whatever she was doing, and her last job involved work which raised money for the Shakespeare Hospice. A local charity organization, which ironically, would later provide nursing staff to help look after my Mum, towards the end of her life.
With regards to Mum's care, I would like to thank everyone who was there for my Mum, when she needed you the most. The hospice nurses, NHS staff, district nurses, and doctors were all first-class, and we honestly can't thank you enough. You helped give my proud Mum, a dignified end to her life. To all the non-medical people who helped support my Mum, we also thank you. After the kindness and consideration Angie showed so many people in her life, I know that we were all prepared to do anything to help her, at a time when she needed her family and friends the most.
My Mum once told me that every time a child is born, they are given a guardian angel. Well, if there's a newborn child out there that has my Mum watching over them, then they are the luckiest child in the world, and they will have a great and happy life.