OBITUARY - Helen Thirkettle
The funeral took place at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, Hoxne, on October 14 of one of Hoxne’s longest serving residents. Helen Thirkettle, who, along with her son Stephen, had lived in Church Close since December, 1963. She died on September 19, aged 90.
Helen, the youngest of a family of seven, was born in Bradfield Combust, near Bury St Edmunds to a farming family, living in Stanton and Bressingham before settling down at White House Farm, Hoxne, on marrying farmer Gordon Thirkettle in 1949. Stephen was born in 1954, but Gordon died in 1962.
The Rev Canon Andrew Vessey described Helen as a compassionate, warm lady with a sense of humour. She was a long-standing church goer, enjoyed music and in the church choir, as well as being a member of the Parochial Church Council. Helen had been a Cub Scout leader in Eye and was a Norwich City Football Club fan.
The organist was Jim Kirkham. After the committal in the churchyard, refreshments were served at Helen and Stephen’s home.
Family mourners; Mr S Thirkettle, Mr and Mrs M Parker, Mr and Mrs D Parker, Mrs S Baldwin, Mr and Mrs P Thirkettle, Mrs L J Johnson, Mr Johnson, Mrs R Alexander, Mr D Alexander, Miss E Alexander, Miss C Alexander, Mr G Collins, Mr and Mrs I Chisholm and Mr and Mrs C Sellens.
Donations towards the work and witness of Hoxne Parish Church in memory of Helen may be sent Rosedale Funeral Home, 63 Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JE.