Last updated at 13:13, Thursday, 17 June 2010

Colourful balloons in memory of a 'dedicated mother' were released at the start of the funeral of Susan Hughes.

Balloons are released as a tribute to Susan Hughes as the hearse arrives at St Mary's and St Michaels church, Egremont for her funeral on Thursday June 17 2010

The mother of two, from Egremont was remembered at the funeral at St Mary’s and Michael’s Church in Egremont.

Mrs Hughes was cruelly shot down by gunman Derrick Bird two weeks ago when she was walking home carrying her shopping.

Almost 500 mourners came to the church today to remember her. Close family and friends held pink, white and green balloons. The green signified her birthstone. As the funeral car arrived they released the balloons in her memory. Mourners held and hugged each other for comfort before the service started.

The coffin was adorned with white flowers, with bunches of pink, yellow and white flowers. The cortege was made up of more than 30 members of her close family.

Relative Kenneth Hughes read a tribute to Mrs Hughes during the service.

Floral tributes to Mrs Hughes said: “Sue, life will never be the same. You’ll always be in my thoughts.”

Her daughters Melinda and Sarah wrote: “To Mam, Simply the best. In our hearts forever.”

Another said: “Fond and happy memories from Michael, Glenis, Amy and Sarah.”

Rev Barbara Jeapes read a tribute from the family before the service started. It said: “There are no words to describe our utter grief and devastation at the sudden, cruel and unnecessary loss of Susan.

“We remember her as a dedicated mother to her two daughters but she was more than a mother to them; she was also their best friend.

She was a constant in the lives of the rest of her family and was always there with a friendly word or advice if needed.

“We take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our feelings due to the countless messages of support we have received.

They have been a great help to us in trying to come to terms with our loss.

“We also take comfort that when the acute feelings of grief and injustice subside, the memories we carry forward of Susan will be happy and pleasant ones. We can only hope that day arrives sooner rather than later.”

Rev. Richard Lee said the town is still recovering from the shock of the shootings. He said: “It has been a tremendous challenge to support everyone. The lights have been on and the church doors open for them. There has been a lot of healing in the shops, highways and byways.”

He added that the local schools had donated candles to give to the victims’ families. “The 12 candles were lit during the minute’s silence last week. We will give them to the families who have lost someone in the coming weeks and we will ask them to light them on their anniversaries.”

During the service a poem was read from Ms Hughes’s perspective by a family friend.

Archdeacon, the Ven Richard Pratt, said the poem was written “as if Susan was sitting on a cloud and what she would think of what’s going on”.

The poem states:

Got to get the shopping

It makes no sense
No sense at all
Pure Nonsense
And that is all

Life’s too short
For us all
But to make it shorter?
No sense at all

One minute I’m shopping
Did I get it all?
Got to get the shopping home
Watch out, don’t fall

I’m on the telly
How dare they tell lies
I’m already watching from the blue skies
BLOODY BOLLOCKS
I wish I’d finished that dress
But remember I’ll be watching
Along with the rest
Don’t try to work it all out
There’s no rhyme or reason

Pure nonsense
That is all

All our love Sue

First published at 12:57, Thursday, 17 June 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk