Miriam Russell

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♥ In loving memory of Miriam Russell, our lovely friend, who became an angel on the 16th February 2000.

♥ Originally from East London, Miriam told us she'd had an unhappy childhood. She would never talk about her parents at all. She had one brother and one sister but never mentioned them other than to say they had passed away. As soon as she was of age, which was 21 years old in those days, Miriam found a home of her own.

♥ At the start of World War Two when she was 25 years old, Miriam joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) where she met Harry, a soldier, and they were married after a whirlwind courtship. Unfortunately, they had no children and shortly after the war ended Harry suffered a heart attack and died. A widow for over 54 years, Miriam had a fair few admirers but she said that no one compared to her Harry!

♥ During the 1970's, Miriam developed a mild form of diabetes which gradually progressed through the years into a chronic form, from which in later years she suffered most of the major complications that came with the condition such as partial blindness, heart and renal problems.

♥ In the summer of 1999 Miriam somehow contracted an infection in her leg. The doctors at Oldchurch Hospital in Romford were marvellous and managed to control the infection for just over six months. Sadly though, gengrene set in and doctors informed us that the only option was to amputate her leg to the mid thigh. Miriam initially responded well after the operation, but just over a week afterwards her body went into delayed shock and her heart just couldn't cope. She slipped away very quickly but also very peacefully. Thankfully we were with her and had the privilege of holding her hand as she made her final journey.

♥ Miriam, always very organised, had arranged her own funeral many years previously. It was a very sad occasion though, with only us, her friends - Sheila, Judy and Adrian, along with her Home-help and Carer.

♥ We love and miss her very much.

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