Joan Couch was born Joan Frankland to Fred and Elizabeth Frankland in Burnley, UK and has a sister Doris. She grew up in this once prosperous cotton town and was witness to world war two during her teens. When she was 15 she met Jack, my Dad and were together forever. They married in 1950 and lived in Burnley all their lives, her sister Doris emigrated to Canada with her family in 1954. In 1958 Mum and dad adopted my big sister Linda after being told they would never have children, then my sister Janet appeared on 1960 and me in 1963. After leaving the sewing factory, mum left to work at Burnley Odeon cinema where she worked her way up to manager in 1971, she had to close the cinema in 1973, after working at two more Odeons in Blackburn and Bury she left and worked as an administrator at the local hospital until her retirement. At 14 years old Mum caught scarlet fever which damaged her heart, she was told she would never work, but 12 months on she was better and worked all her life, living to 80 years old! But her heart let her down eventually, attacked by the infection from her condition. My parents provided us all with a perfect, loving childhood, something I will always be so greatful for, they were exceptional parents in every way and leave a massive gaping hole in our lives, but I know now that they are both together in heaven forever and are very happy. Mum's funeral was held on the 14th June 2010 and was beautiful, the hymns sang were the same as her and Dad's wedding in 1950, and both her favourite songs were played in the crematorium. This was the eulogy that I wrote for her. On a beautiful summer's day, God peacefully took our Mum, re-uniting her with our Dad who has been waiting, patiently in Heaven, God sparing her any suffering. Thank you for allowing us all to be there with her till the end, surrounded by her loving family holding her hands until she peacefully fell asleep. Now take my Dad's hand Mum, and follow him into paradise.
Mum was the rock that guided our family through all our troubles and joys, she gave us a beautiful, loving, safe childhood and tended to all our needs. Mum was a remarkable, stoical, headstrong woman, who always put herself last to care for others, she was so proud of her family. The smiles and happiness so evident in the family photo album which is Captured forever, from their wedding in 1950, to her 80th birthday party this year. It's a story of how to be a good and caring mother, who cared for her parents through their illness, cared for Dad through his illness and Janet through hers. Losing Mum with Dad has ended a chapter, like closing the photo album of their lives and our childhood. The story of two wonderful, loving parents, Jack and Joan Couch, who only wanted to have children and be happy. Well, Mum and Dad, congratulations, you passed with flying colours, we had a lovely, happy childhood which we passed on to our children, rewarding you with 4 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. You are testaments of how to be good, honest people, wonderful parents, grandparents and great grandparents. We will never forget you Mum and Dad you will be in our hearts and souls forever, you made us the good people we are today, which we will pass on to our children, and them to theirs, this is your legacy. God will re-unite us all one day but until then, goodbye, God bless you both and live happily and peacefully, together in Heaven. Linda, Janet and Graham