My Story

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1949 to 2006
aged: 57
From: King's Lynn, Norfolk

Bridget was born in Downham Market in May 1949 to Joyce and Thomas Ryan. She was the middle child of three, with her elder sister being Josie and younger sister Angie. As a child she attended Downham Primary and Secondary Modern and upon leaving school she started work at Lamberts Green Grocers, a later move to Jennifer’s Flower shop in the town, inspired her to train as a florist.

In 1966, then aged 17, she met and later married Ken. Their move to Watlington coincided with the birth of their first child Tim, followed by Justine. As the family business expanded with the purchase of new premises in 1972, the family moved and settled in Tilney St. Lawrence.

They soon became involved in village life, taking part and helping with many village groups and organisations. In 1977 came the birth of their third child Joanna, which completed their family.
Once all the children had started school, Bridget played a more active part in the family business.
She took great pride in her family, instilling in her children the values that she had acquired during her own very happy childhood.

Bridget was a magnificent Mum to her three children and also became a surrogate mother to many, who would often call upon her to ask advice, and all would benefit from her wisdom, kindness, love and support. She would listen without judgement and would always give impartial and sound advice. She always had the answers and she always had the time.

Bridget was never happier than when surrounded by her beloved family in the home she loved, and was delighted to see all three of her children happily married and settled. The arrival of grandchildren brought a new role for Bridget. As Nanny, she excelled and was loved and adored by all of them.

Throughout her many roles within the family, she remained a constant and loving wife and companion to Ken. To all who knew them, they were the perfect couple, who were blissfully happy and content, and who needed nothing more than each other. They truly were best friends and soul mates.

Bridget was a practical and intelligent person, who enjoyed simple pleasures, such as her home and garden. She viewed the world with a humorous eye and her dry wit will be remembered by many.
She had a wonderful way with words, which she gained from her great love of reading.

She never felt the need to travel far, but greatly enjoyed annual family holidays in North Devon, where she loved to be near the sea. Latterly, she also enjoyed spending time with Ken on the North Norfolk Coast. Time spent in her father’s homeland of Southern Ireland, in Bridget’s words - felt like ‘going home’. The final verse of ‘Galway Bay’, a favourite Irish song of Bridget’s, says:-

And if there is to be a life hereafter,
And somehow I feel sure there’s going to be,
I will ask my God to let me make my Heaven,
In that dear land across the Irish Sea.

She was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called Myeloma in June 2006 and battled bravely throughout her treatment, never failing to remain positive and focused on achieving a full recovery, sadly this was not to be, and on November 2nd 2006 she slipped peacefully away, bringing an end to her battle but a start to ours.

For me personally, i feel that not only was i fortunate enough to have her as my mum but more importantly as my best friend, and as i am aware that many children never get to experience how truly wonderful, honest and unconditional a close bond between a parent and child can be, for this i will be eternally grateful. I am sure i speak on behalf of many of her family and friends that new and loved her dearly, who are finding that the respect, love and admiration we held for her is now equaled by immense loss and sorrow that we are slowly dealing with in her absence.

She is a star and will always be truly magnificent x x x


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