Hermione Burnell nee’ Griffiths

“Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall”

Hermonie passed away peacefully at Winsford Grange Nursing Home on the 29th January aged 99 years.

The beloved wife of the late Sidney, loving mum of Glyn, Keith, Antony, Jeanette and Carol and a much loved loved Grandma and Great Grandma who is fondly remembered by all that knew her.

Hermonie’s funeral will take place at Crewe Crematorium Chapel on Thursday 15th February at 11.30am

Donations in memory of Hermonie will be greatfully recieved for Winsford Grange Nursing Home and Dementia UK

For further details please contact our funeral home on 01270 584447

Hermione, or Herm as she was known, was born on 26th February 1924. She lived in Culland Street all of her life, initially with her mother Sarah Ann, her father Richard and her eight siblings: Eric, Ken, Stanley, Walter, Cyril, Reg, Clarrie, and Vera.

Born into a large family, Herm brought a special kind of joy and warmth into the lives of so many people. From childhood adventures to adult milestones, she was there, a constant source of support, and genuine love.

She was a shining light in her community. She was a founder member of the Nantwich Road Social Club, a place where she enjoyed a game of Bingo and where she delighted in dancing.
A bit of low level gambling was undertaken by Hermione, she wasn’t adverse to having a flutter on the horses.

When she left school, she worked in a bakery for a while and in later years spent time working at a number of places such as Crewe Theatre, a petrol station on Nantwich Road and as a cleaner, mainly at the Social Club, jobs which fitted in around her children. Hermione was also well known and recognised for her work on a match day at Crewe Alex.

Herm met her future husband Sidney when he was stationed at an Army Barracks set up to train soldiers before they embarked for active service in World War Two. A fairground came to Crewe. She was watching and smiling as Sidney enjoyed the ride with his pals. When the ride stopped, his mates got off and he smiled at Herm and patted the empty seat next to him. So she got on for the ride. I wonder if they had any idea what a terrific, very long ride they were embarking on?”

They courted for a while before marrying. And so began the next chapter of their life – Sidney and Hermione were not just husband and wife; they were soulmates, partners in life’s greatest adventure, who embarked on a journey of love and devotion that spanned the years.

Their home was not just a house; it was a sanctuary filled with laughter, love, and the boundless energy of youth. From the chaos of sibling rivalries to the quiet moments of bedtime stories and shared dreams, they created an album of memories that will endure for generations to come.

As parents, they were the epitome of selflessness, always putting the needs of their children above their own and sacrificing tirelessly to provide them with the opportunities they needed to succeed. Through their example, Herm and Sidney instilled in their children the values of kindness, compassion, and integrity, together with the need to always be polite and well mannered.

Herm’s kindness to others knew no bounds. When she had students living next door to her she would often cook pots of stew for them and bake scones for them, knowing that if her children had been away from home, she would like to think someone would show them the same kindness.

In time seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren were welcomed into the family. What a legacy Herm and Sidney have created and the memories of those who were privileged to have known them will be carried down the generations, I have no doubt.

Herm used to love going on holiday, the family usually visited Somerset where Sid came from. In later life they both delighted in trips to Cleveleys near Blackpool.

When they were both in their mid to late 70s, they returned from a few days in Cleveleys., Herm was wearing an “I love Jason Donovan” T-shirt and Sid was wearing one that read. “I love Kylie”. They were both wearing visas on their heads which had flashing disco lights, it was a totally and utterly bonkers moment but one which still raises a smile and really sums up the magical relationship they all shared.

If you visited Herm, no matter what the time of day, she would always be glad to see you and would always feed you. No one ever left her house hungry, a batch of scones could be whipped up quickly and easily. She was so generous to any visitor.