For Deanna…

…with love xx

In loving memory of Deanna Maria Rickwood…

On Friday 18th October 2024, we laid Deanna’s ashes to rest with a simple, intimate and heartfelt ceremony. Deanna shares the cemetery with her beloved Auntie Mary and Uncle Jim who will keep her company, and look after her while she waits for me.

A message from the family…

It is still hard to believe that Deanna has passed away. I look at my phone each morning hoping for an update from Deanna that sadly never comes. It is hard for me to accept that Deanna is no longer with us, given how brave and courageously she has fought over the last 5 years.

To our kind-hearted big sister,

Thank you for being such a big part of our lives. Thank you for all the laughter and fond memories we shared together. Thank you for reminding us of many good memories through your talented craft work. Thank you for all that you taught us. Most of all, thank you for always being there for us and bringing much needed positivity when things didn’t look so promising.

We will miss you deeply and always be truly grateful that we were so lucky to have you as our sister.

Read by Gavin, Deanna’s Brother

A message from mum…

Each day within me Deanna, I fight a silent battle of surviving yet another day without you. Love you darling, forever and a day.

Rest in peace our wonderful Deanna.

Read by Gavin, Deanna’s Brother

A message to my soulmate…

For Deanna.

Deanna was the kindest, most gentle and warm-hearted lady that I have ever met. Her boundless love, patience and generosity of spirit, left a spark of love in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to share in her life, whether it be for years, or for just a fleeting moment. With every interaction, Deanna left a sweet memory and a kind word or a warm smile on the lips of all. Ever mindful of the feelings of those around her, even on the darkest of days, Deanna portrayed a strong, cheerful and positive woman, filled with good humour and offering a mischievous grin and a ready giggle. She bore the burden of her health with the best of grace always thinking of how everyone else must feel, rarely sharing her own fears and worries with the outside world.

When I think of Deanna, I remember her strength, her sparkling eyes and gorgeous smile, and her kindness. Deanna gave me the most wonderful gifts, things that I never thought I could have, a feeling of completeness, of devotion, and of being utterly loved, and in love, without limit. Sentimental and romantic, Deanna was the sweetest and most beautiful person I could wish to share my life with. I feel honoured to have been a part of her life, and I’ll cherish every moment that we had together - I just wish that there had been time for more. I have many regrets, as we all probably do, but above all, I wish that I could have made all her dreams come true.

As we watch this chapter of our lives sadly close, Deanna would want us to remember the happy times, to bask in the warmth of the love that we shared with her, and to hang on to all the funny moments, the happy events, and the fun times we enjoyed with her. Perhaps the best way to honour Deanna’s memory, is to remember without regret, to live the lives she would want for us, and to hold her in our hearts for all eternity.

Deanna brought a light to our lives which can never be diminished, and a song to our hearts which shall never fall silent.

Read by Nigel, Deanna’s Fiancé

Music Credit: For us, Charlie Lewis, source: Free Music Archive and license type CC BY-NC-SA