Funeral of Margaret Joyce Bowler on February 6, 2014

Aunt Joyce became  ill very quickly after Christmas and passed away on January 24, 2014 at the Leicester General Hospital.

We are grateful that we were still here on our mission as we were able to be a large support to Aunt Valerie. On January 18th we got a phone message while on our Saturday afternoon shift at the Temple that she was gravely ill and Sister Curley drove us straight to the Leicester Hospital.  It gave Sister  and Elder Kiddle a chance to sit with Aunt Joyce during that weekend. She knew we were there and before leaving on Monday evening to return to the temple she gave Sister Kiddle a big hug goodbye as we felt she knew she was dying. She also gave Aunt Valerie a big hug soon after. We kept in touch with Aunt Valerie and on January 24th we received word that she had passes away at 1:00 A.M. that morning. The Hospital staff kept her comfortable up to the time of her death for which we are very grateful.

On January 26th Sister Curley again drove us to Loughborough so that we could help Aunt Valerie do all of the errands necessary to prepare for the Funeral, such as 1) pick up the death certificate, 2) visit the undertaker and arrange for the funeral and 3) order the flowers for the coffin. One week later Sister Kiddle and Sister Curley went back to Loughborough and helped Aunt Valerie dress Aunt Joyce. Sister Kiddle felt it was a rewarding and spiritual experience. The following Wednesday, February 5th, we took a train back to Loughborough to be at the Funeral on Thursday, February 6th.

For the Funeral program, Sister Kiddle was asked to read all of the family Tributes from all the Nieces and Nephews and Elder Kiddle sang the hymn "How Great Thou Art". On the morning of the Funeral it did not rain until after the burial for which we were very grateful. After a luncheon at the church which followed the burial we returned to the graveyard to take pictures of the grave which had been closed with many of the flowers placed on top. By this time it was raining but we accomplished our goal to get the pictures.

Following are some of the pictures;

 The hearse showing the casket and flowers

At the cemetery

 Luncheon at the Chapel

 Picture at the grave after the Luncheon

Back at Aunt Valerie's with cousins Michael and Jill

We all loved Aunt Joyce and are grateful we could be a part of her funeral and were able to be there to help Aunt Valerie on this sad occasion. The last picture shows everyone smiling as is what we do in pictures but our hearts were heavy. We must say however that we were happy with the thought of the reunion between Aunt Joyce and her family that had gone on before.

We are back at the Temple and only have a few weeks left to serve there before we return to Canada.

A big thanks to Elder & Sister Curley for there invaluable help in our time of need.

Love from Elder and Sister Kiddle