Beryl Collina

“Memories are something no one can steal.”

Born in Crewe on 16th December 1937, Beryl was one seven children born to his parents Bessie and Leslie Scragg. Of her six siblings: Alan, Peter, Patricia, David, Michael and John. Beryl was particularly close to her brother David, he was always her favourite, they were partners in crime and much mischief.

As a young woman Beryl had an adventurous spirit, she was always curious to see what was around the next corner, always looking for more out of life, so at 18 she joined the Royal Airforce and served for 4 years.  In later years she loved to tell her grandson Jamie that she flew helicopters – but it was always considered that she might be stretching the truth a little!

Beryl met Liam in a pub and told her friend Maureen that she thought he was handsome. The next day he rode past her on his bike, turned around and followed her to ask her on a date, so feelings were definitely mutual.

Beryl and Liam were married in Jubilee Gardens in Crewe, with Liam’s brother Nank and his wife as witnesses.  The Bride wore a purple mini-dress and it always remained her favourite colour.

Beryl used to tease Liam that she never had a proper marriage proposal, so to surprise her one Christmas, he bought her an engagement ring and proposed, although they’d already been married for 15 years! He loved her so much and this was a major statement from him, the mark of the man.

She worked as a machinist in a baby linen factory in Crewe until she and Liam started a family, then as was the tradition she became a stay at home mum. When the children were older she returned to work in the canteen at Rail House where she made many friends, some were just fleeting associates other became friends for life.

Liam and Beryl’s marriage was blessed with three children, Trevor, Darrell and Nicola. Time spent with the children was always precious and when Liam wasn’t at work they always tried to escape as a family and spend quality time together. These times were precious and created wonderful memories for everyone.

They bought an apartment in Spain in 1990 where they enjoyed many happy holidays, especially with friends Carol and Dave. Liam would golf all day while Beryl lay by the pool, making sure she topped up her tan, she always said the shade of tan she was looking for was “dark mahogany!”

Beryl very sadly passed away on 26th January 2021 aged 83 years.

Her funeral took place at Crewe Crematorium on 5th February 2021.

Donations were gratefully received for the British Heart Foundation