Story written by Helena Bell, Valerie’s grandaughter.

Born on April 3, 1939, at Woodland Avenue, Beighton, My Nan, Valerie, lived with her parents Florence and Jim, and her sister, Queenie, until she was 18. By then, she had already met the love of her life, my grandad David, and moved to Thurcroft to live with his parents.

Nan had many jobs throughout her life, from shop work to being a telephonist, switchboard operator, and machinist at a sweing factory. She always strived to better herself and was often promoted to supervisor.

Eventually, Nan and Grandad got their own house on Zamour Crescent in Thurcroft, where they made countless wonderful memories. One of my favourite stories is about their playful arguments over who was the better singer, Tom Jones or Engelber Humperdinck. This all came to a head one night when they got tickets to go see Engelbert live. Nan was so excited that she ran up to the stage before the last song ended. Security tried to stop her, by Engerlbert waved them off and invited her backstage for an autograph. This literally made her day!

Despite this she said my grandad was her true love and 50 shades of grey had nothing on them, as you can imagine I put my hands over my ears and refused to listen but she laughed seeing me squirm.

Then in 1959, their joy was complete with the birth of my dad, David Junior, He brought immense pride and happiness to their lives, fulfilling their wish for a baby boy.

The greatest part of Nan’s life was when she and grandad became licensees in the pub business. They spent 20 wonderful years behind the bar working for Wards Brewery, starting at The Target Inn in Sheffield, then moving to The Richmond Hotel, and finally the Double Barrel in Thurcroft.

In 1979, I was born. Despite my bald head and big ears, Nan always said I was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. (she was a good liar) but I was the apple of her and my grandad’s eye, and they took me everywhere with them – holidays to Tenerife, Scotland, Great Yarmouth, ans Florida. We created so many cherished memories together.

Nan made some wonderful friends over the years, some of whom remain loyal to this day. Alan and Jean have been amazing friends for decades, and for that, she was truly grateful. Sandra, or “Mouse” as Nan fondly called her, was a dear friend for many years. Later in life, Nan befriended Kath, and they enojyed each other’s company, often going on shopping trips that led to impromptu calls for a ride home from Sheffield or informing me they had ended up in Cleethorpes.

Nan cherished all her friendships dealy, holding each one close to her heart.

Despite many years of ill health, Nan rearely complained. She remained independent until her last days, often refusing to help even when she needed it.

She spent the last 5 years of her life at Layden Court Nursing Home, where she become very much part of the furniture, she was honest sometimes brutally and I think they knew they had her often referring to the carers with her own names she made up for them and correcting them on their bed making skills or how to make a good bacon sandwich.

Her heart was immense, and she loved deeply, especially my dad David, whose daily visits meant the world to her. She adored her family and loved seeing and hearing of all our adventures and receiving photos of Harriet, Harper, and Lilly her Great Grandchildren.

My final words to you, Nan, are thank you for 45 years of loving me with all your heart, always putting everyone’s needs above your own.

You have been my go-to person when life got tough. Nothing will ever be the same, all our hearts are breaking and I know dad will miss you terribly…thank you for just being you!!