Tribute to Carole Ann Reeves (28 November 1942 to 23 September 2022)

Carole Ann Reeves played an important role in Saint Francis Hospice’s history by helping the charity to raise vital funds and awareness of its services through the opening of its shops across Havering and Redbridge.

Carole, 79, who sadly passed away suddenly on 23 September, worked as the Deputy Manager of Saint Francis Hospice’s shops from 1991 to 2002.

Over the next 11 years, Carole, who lived in Rush Green at the time, was involved in the opening hospice shops in its catchment areas including Hornchurch, Romford, Harold Hill and Barkingside.

“She absolutely loved seeing the shops open, getting everything ready and how everyone worked as a team ??" she got such a buzz out of it,” said her daughter Nicky Charman.

“So much work went on behind the scenes to get a shop up and running.

“It was a really special time in her life and it was the only job she loved.

“Carole’s husband Michael used to work for Harrods doing the window displays and he also helped in the shops for a few years dressing the windows.”

Carole’s daughter Nicky said one of her mum’s proudest times was when the hospice’s bridal shop Special Moments opened in Collier Row.

“I got married and donated my wedding dress there,” said Nicky.

“Mum never wanted to leave but in the end she left to be nearer to me and her four grandchildren in Cornwall.

“At her funeral we will be raising money for the hospice because we could not think of a better charity to support.”

Carole leaves behind her husband Michael, daughter Nicky, son-in-law Mathew, and her grandchildren Michael, William, Lauren and Victoria.

Her funeral takes place at Penmount Crematorium, Kernow Chapel, Truro at 1.30pm on Thursday, 20 October.