Marie's Funeral Today

[Dave the OAP]

Driving into Woodvale Crematorium at 14:40, I could not believe the sight. There must have been over 250 people attending the service from Dick Knight,, Mark McGhee, Paul Rogers, Chris McPhee, Sarah Watts, Tim Carder, all the staff members from the shop, Albion office staff, members of Junior Seagulls club, Paul Kerr, Paul Samrah, family friends, Staff from Sainsbury's, Jim's employers, supporters of the club and of course family members. I apologise if I did not mention someone specifically.

The service was so well attended, not everyone could fit into the Crematorium and there was standing room only and people stood outside. Father Peter Clegg took the service in his own extremely sympathetic and quite superb way. He captured the mood of the congregation and delivered an eulogy about Marie which was both funny and heart wrenching.

Marie's grand- daughter Natalie, read a poem , which I reproduce here. Most people on here will have heard of this and Natalie delivered it in a faultering but extremely emotional way

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)


During the service, You'll Never Walk Alone was played and we filed out of the building to Sussex By The Sea.

The family wanted me to thank everyone again and especially the Club, who provided Withdean Hospitality Suite as well as all the catering ( some of the club members made sandwiches and cakes for the occasion)

Again I cannot stress how absolutely tremendous the turnout was and it was so comforting for Jim and the rest of the family to know that Marie was so loved.

When we look around at football in general, there is a lot made of the "family club" ethos, which many clubs purport to have. Anyone attending today's service and the "do" afterwards will testify that this club of ours is truly a "family" . Marie was one of our family and she will be missed greatly by everyone who had the honour to know her.

Rest in Peace Marie
God bless Jim, Julie, Andy, Natalie and Danny.

 

[Jam The Man]

Thanks DTG - worthy post

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I was in the Club Shop just before one o'clock, when they closed for the day.

There was a very sad mood about the place.

This tragedy has affected a lot of people. My thoughts are with them all.

 

[timbha]

well done Dave.

 

[Kev the Ape]

well done dave , RIP marie.

 

[Eddie the Seagull]

My thoughts are with all.

Hope all Marie's family celebrate her life.

 

[dougdeep]

There's a nice piece in today's Argus about the service.

 

[South Stand Zealot]

Very nice posting Dave. The poem was very moving.

 

[Everest]

TYVM Dave for posting that.

RIP Marie.

 

[Spicy2]

My heartfelt thanks to Marie's family. May she rest in peace.

 

[Bobby's Gull]

Thoughts with Marie and her family. RIP.

 

[caz99]

May Marie rest in peace and my thoughts are with her family. Something that helped me when my father died was Letter from Heaven which I have posted below as its such a lovely peice.


To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to Me.

 

[ShorehamGull]

RIP Marie, you will always be part of us.