Derek Kirton
To Sally, Alan, Mark and family
Although it is now some time ago, I have only just discovered news of your mother’s death last year and am writing to express our sincere condolences for your loss.
As you may know, our contact with her was through Christmas cards and I did wonder whether something had happened when her card didn’t arrive this time. I didn’t follow this up at the time, but having thought further about it, decided to look online, thereby coming across this sad news.
We always used to look forward to and value your mother’s wonderful cards which painted a great picture of her own very full and active life and the importance of you all as her large and growing loving family. I know too that contact with Ann was very much valued and appreciated by my mother Betty, until she died back in 2005.
Although the contact was only once a year, it felt important to us, partly for the transatlantic element, but also as a reminder of connections and times going back within my own family (your dad, and his parents Lizzie and Jake). (I also remember our own meeting up when you visited the UK all those years ago.) I know what a huge presence your mother will have been in all your family’s lives, but I hope that the good memories help offset the inevitable sense of loss.
We shall miss the exchanges come future Christmases and remember your mother fondly, but wish you all the best going forward.
Warmest wishes
Derek, Linda & Anna
