Care home staff give emotional send-off to 'wonderful lady' who died with no family
Rosalind Blackwell sadly passed away with no family so staff at the Melton Mowbray care home where she spent her final years organised a heart-warming funeral for her this afternoon (Wednesday).
The team at The Amwell, on Asfordby Road, were determined to give a special send-off to Rosalind, who they said ‘lit up a room with her smile and laughter’.
Rosalind, who had learning disabilities, sadly died unexpectedly on January 26 and because she had no family members would have had to have a council-planned funeral, devoid of any real personal touches.
So staff at The Amwell and the home where Rosalind previously lived at – Damascus House at Birstall – joined forces to organise a special service and celebration of her life at Loughborough Crematorium today.
Kathy Fuller, from The Amwell, told the Melton Times: “Ros' smile lit up the lives of everyone who knew her, a true bright light in a dark world – her presence will be missed at The Amwell and Damascus House.
“Rosalind was a wonderful lady who lived with learning disabilities and, though it's generic and often said, Ros truly lit up a room with her smile and laughter, her character was incredible, and she was so cheeky.
“She loved all things make-up, girly, pink and had a particular love for Britney Spears, and spent many happy hours listening to her on her boom box with the support from the dedicated team around her at The Amwell.”
The Amwell’s manager, Aarti, and regional support manager, Jayne, worked with the Co-Op funeral directors closely to make it a highly personal service for Rosalind.
Activities co-ordinator, Chloe, worked to make the floral arrangements beautifully, pink, with the support of The Flower Basin, in the town, while Kathy, from the administration team, created a lovely order of service for the funeral.
The catering team at The Amwell catered for the wake with a full spread and beautiful cakes with pink angel wings and staff members from the care team, Stuart and Esther, delivered personal readings and poems about the lady they all loved caring for.
And The Amwell’s previous clinical lead, Emma Daniels, who has trained to become a celebrant, led the service.
Kathy added: “This has really been a special thing for us all to do, and has been so emotional.”