You were elegant, patient, graceful and calm,
Yet filled with warmth, cheekiness, fun and charm
…always kind, but certainly nobody's fool.

You worked all your life with vigour and drive,
A business women, well ahead of her time,
inspirational, well-respected and striving for the best.

You high-heeled, dark-haired beauty with that air about you,
Flawless in your appearance and everything you touched,
Not one hair - or even cushion – ever out of place.

You loved us all unconditionally, protected us fiercely,
And stood by me through all the thick and thin,
Even if it was often more rain than sunshine.

I never thought I’d lose you, but here we are without you,
Unspoken words and undone things have been left behind,
So many thoughts and thanks I never shared.

A deep, unfillable hole has been left in our lives,
but the sunlight still reaches it.

We were truly lucky to have a sister like you,
And daughter, wife, mother, auntie, friend.

How did I never see the true depths of your miracle,
when you were still here with me?

You are the classiest of ladies…
…our ever own Tracey-Jane.

Rebecca Hougham, September 2017