After Alexandra

Alexandra’s Obituary

Catriona submitted an obituary to The Guardian for their ‘Other Lives’ column, where it appeared on 23 January 2008.

It can be read here : http://www.guardian.co.uk/otherlives/story/0,,2245115,00.html

The Whipps Cross Flamingo Appeal – we raised £1,500

For those who wished to make a donation in memory of Alexandra we proposed the Flamingo Appeal which was raising funds for digital mammography equipment for Whipps Cross Hospital. Thanks to your generosity we raised over £1,500. Meanwhile, unknown to us the Flamingo Appeal was closed due to change of policy and the consequent centralisation of specialised cancer treatment at St. Bartholomew’s. However, the donations are being used to improve facilities for cancer care at Whipps Cross, which is consistent with our intentions.

Christmas and New Year

With Christmas coming just weeks after the death, I wasn’t sure how we would cope, as Alexandra had always been at the very heart of the planning, the catering and the celebrations. However, we supported each other, shared out the tasks and did succeed in having a happy family event.

It turned out to be Dorothy’s last Christmas, so the picture of her and Abigail eating Christmas pudding together is particularly memorable.

We saw in New Year with Alastair and Gráinne in Cheltenham and spent new year’s day at the races.

Dorothy’s Death

Dorothy died peacefully at the age of 95 on 8^th January 2008; Abigail’s first birthday.

We held a short cremation service at City of London Crematorium on 14 January at which Michaela officiated, as she had for Alexandra. Dorothy had been an accomplished and prolific painter and here Peter, Ann and I are sorting through some of her collection.