Audrey Latham

“Tenderly we treasure the past, with memories that will always last”

Audrey passed away peacefully at Leighton Hospital on the 4th May 2021 aged 99 years.

The beloved Wife of The Late Frank, much loved Mum to Michael, also a cherished Nana & Great Nana who will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Audrey’s funeral took place on Wednesday 19th May at Crewe Crematorium Chapel.

For further information about Audrey’s funeral, and to offer your condolences please telephone our Funeral Home on 01270 584447

Donations in memory of Audrey are going to Macmillan at Leighton Hospital.

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Audrey Latham, beloved wife to the late Frank, much loved mum to Michael and
mother-in-law to Christine, devoted Nana to Michelle, Melanie, Kerry and Robert, a
great and great great grandma, a dear auntie, good friend and neighbour to many
over the years and of course we can’t forget she was a nana in law, if there is such a
title but whatever the correct term.
Audrey had many facets to her character especially as she advanced in years. She
was soft but hard, a kind lady who would help anyone, but she was also incredibly
tough, strong minded. She dearly wanted to be reunited with the love of her life, she
and Frank were truly devoted to each other, two halves to a whole so despite the
sadness felt by the family, they hope Audrey and Frank are together again for eternal
life.
Her story began in 1922 when she was born to parents, Elva and Robert at their
home in Denton and this is where she lived through her school years and beyond.
She always spoke fondly of those early days and the times she spent at school and
with her family there. I have worked with a company in Denton for several years and
she always asked me what it looks like nowadays…..I really don’t think she would
have recognised it so I didn’t go into too much detail.
Audrey finished her schooling in 1936, after which she went to work for ‘Oldham &
Sons’ in her hometown and was employed making Miner’s electric safety lamps for
the princely sum £1. 10shilling.
Outside of work, she would enjoy the 20-minute trolley bus ride with her cousin Edith
to Belle Vue’s dance hall in Manchester where she would indulge her passion for
dancing.  Undoubtably this was where her love of Strictly Come Dancing was born. It
was on one such trip where her relationship with the love of her life, Frank
developed, and she went on to marry him in July of 1944. Frank and Audrey had one
son, Michael who was born in October the following year.
Following the war, they upped sticks to Crewe where, in 1950 they moved into a
‘brand new’ council house. Mike recalls this as a happy time with the radio always
tuned to the ‘light programme’ so that she could listen to the likes of Doris Day and
Anne Shelton singing. When Mike was 8 or 9 his Mum started working for Aunty
Jinny in Crewe Market, selling cheeses and cold meats where she remained until the
early 90’s, eventually retiring well into her 70s.
Rewind a little to the 1960s where Michelle and Melanie came along. Nana was
totally devoted to them and became a really positive influence during their early
years together. I’ve been privileged to hear of the enjoyment they had together and
how Nana & Grandad would help them to make things and generally have fun and
mess about. She taught the girls to cook, knit, sew and to bake cakes, for which I, for
one will be eternally grateful. At Christmas they would make marzipan sweets,
decorations and gift tags from old Christmas cards together.

The girls sometimes stayed with Nana during the school holidays and loved their
train trips into Denton & Stockport to visit Great Grandad Denton, Aunty Lena and
Aunty Minnie.
Later along the line came her other two grandchildren, Kerry and Robert which
collectively gave her 4 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren and another on the
way.
Audrey was a naturally, very caring person who always wanted to know about
everyone, especially family…..not too much detail mind, just that they were ok. She
worried about us all, whether it was about Mel going abroad or her Great Grandson
Oliver working on board a Royal Navy submarine. She would never interfere of
course, even when she didn’t fully approve. If she didn’t tell you of her dis-approval
you might find out when you caught her eye.
After Frank retired and his injured ankle became a serious problem she became his
full-time carer which dominated her life until he passed away 8 years ago.
She always appreciated what other did for her and was generous to a fault. From
making sure there was a pack of beers to give to Andy when he cut the lawn to
heading off the postman at Christmas so she could give him a tip. There were also
more significant gestures which had a profound affect on those who received them. I
won’t go into detail here but those involved know what I refer to.
Her kindness knew no limits and she would help anyone she could. In the 1980’s
they had a neighbour called Emma who lived next door but one. Emma was very old
but, much like Audrey she insisted on living at home. For a time she became
Emma’s main carer until eventually she died. Such acts of kindness really summed
up just what kind of person Audrey was.
Until recently, Nana was able to remain living at home, where she belonged due to
the unwavering kindness and care of close family, friends and neighbours, and of
course her daily carers for which she was extremely grateful.
Of course her passing will leave a large hole in the lives of those closest to her but, if
there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of, she would simply not want you to be sad but
to get on with your lives, enjoy yourselves and look after those who you care for.

May she Rest in Peace

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