In memory of Joan Hartley

On Good Friday at 3;30 in the morning Kristians nan , Joan ,passed away after a long battle with altzheimers disease. It was not the disease that killed her but a urinary tract infection and eventual inability to eat or swallow. We have been driving back and forth to Bournemouth and Kristian got to see his nan the night before she passed.

she was not the nan he knew when he saw her though and has not been for coming on 3 years. It is true that she was 82 and had a long life with a husband that adored her and 3 children and 3 grandchildren. She was blessed to have had that and they blessed to have had her , but what a way to end ones life.

For me the meaning of true love was never more meaningful. Joan and John were married for 62 years . They lived through the war in London and spent the first years of their marriage there until they moved to Bournemouth.In the 11 years i have know them they were never apart and I am led to believe that it was always this way. Since Joans diagnosis John has cared for her first at home and then for the past 2 years in a care home where he spent most of his days sitting with her and talking to her even though she no longer knew who he was. He once told me that when he got married it was for better or worse and he would be with her till the end.

her final 3 days were spent in hospital where he held vigil by her bedside barely sleeping till she passed with him at her side holding her hand. I am sure her passing was peaceful with him at her side.

We had her funeral on Friday and it was comforting for her family. Lily , her great grandaughter, sat quietly in the back with me and we said our goodbyes. She was a wonderful , caring lady. Always immaculately dressed. she would give you anything if you said you liked it and all she wanted was for everyone to be happy. rest in peace , Joan xxxxx W