I am writing to celebrate the life and to describe the funeral of my dear cousin and great friend Pauline Waters.

Pauline was diagnosed with cancer last September, but remained cheerful and showed remarkable spirit despite considerable pain. She was able to spend her last days at home with her family and enjoyed lively conversations with her many visitors almost until the end. I am sure that Pauline would wish me to thank the doctors making home visits, the Macmillan Nurses, the Paul Sartori Trust and the local care services that made this possible. There was still a need for family care and her daughters Jeannie and Joanna and grandson Lance provided this so lovingly.

Last Friday, Pauline had the largest local funeral I have ever seen. For the whole family and I, it was a sad, but proud day. We are grateful that so many people shared our loss and our high regard for Pauline.

Monkton Church was overflowing showing the affection and esteem in which Pauline was held. People stood at the rear of the church, packed the choir stalls and filled the Lady Chapel and the space under the clock tower. Some latecomers sheltered in the church porch which was packed, but many went home because of the wet and stormy weather.

Among the large congregation were local mayors and councillors and the Pembroke Street Pastors who came in their uniforms to mourn a committee member, the Pembroke and Monkton History Society, the handbell ringers, the Salvation Army, the Blind Society and the many other organisations with which she was involved. There were also many who just met Pauline around town for to meet her was to go away with a smile on your face.

It was a moving service. Keith Wheeler, a lifelong friend, described her vitality and natural charm. Pauline led her life in a rush always running late, but always getting a great deal done for her family and for the community. Pauline’s energy was driven by her Christian faith and Keith’s comments on this were enlarged upon from the experiences of the Rev. Michael Brotherton and the Rev. Rob James who both paid tribute and the Rector of Monkton Church Paul Nash who conducted the service. We learnt about Pauline’s work as a Sunday School teacher, the works achieved by her mayoral charity for young people and her lifelong efforts to get young people involved with the church. This is a challenge which Pauline now has to pass on to other people.

Hundreds joined the large procession to the cemetery where the graveside service took place in a furious hail storm.

Afterwards, there was a large gathering at Monkton Swifts clubhouse where refreshments were provided by Pauline’s niece Marie Jenkins and many helpers.

John Jenkins,

Lords Meadows,

Pembroke