Beatrice Howard (11 Jun 1923 - 16 Nov 2024)

In loving memory of Beatrice Howard who sadly passed away on 16th November 2024, Known fondly as ‘Biddy’ to many.
She has the most amazing 101 years of life and left many people in awe of her strength right up until the last few days.
Born in Beckenham to Buck and Beattie Spaulding an only child, as sadly her twin brother Bernard didn’t survive a fall Beattie had during pregnancy, she grew up in Churchfields Road making many lifelong friends. She went to work at the age of 14 in a factory in The Avenue which then became used to make uniforms for the soldier in WW2.
She met the love of her life Ronald Howard and married in 1943 while he was back on leave, they then welcomed little Ronnie their only child in 1946 it was then that they lived in the prefabs Thesiger Road. They moved to Tennyson Road in 1964 which is where they stayed for the next 33 years. Biddy was an outstanding cook and enjoyed entertaining and making sure anybody that visited was well fed. She was particularly well known for her baking making cakes for family and friends and her world famous sausage rolls and mince pies.
Little Ronnie married his sweetheart in 1967,Susan Chapman, and she treated her like the daughter she never had but always wanted.
Biddy welcomed 3 grandchildren Neil, Karen then Claire which she doted on and spoilt at every opportunity. She and Ron enjoyed the dancing life and introduced their granddaughters to Peggy Spencer’s and attended competitions with them all over the country with many trips to Blackpool. It’s during these years that they made lots of new friends that became just like family and still are to this day.

Biddy retired from working at Safeway in Sydenham and enjoyed her time with Ron having holidays abroad and spending time with all the family. Sadly she lost her beloved Ron in 1997 and 3 years later moved into Peter Kennedy court which gave her so much pleasure after a difficult time.
She welcomed 7 great grandchildren. Kieran, Bailey, Cameron, Zoe, Liam, Mia and Jessie who she loved with all her heart. She made sure she shared all her stories about the years gone by with them and obviously made them their favourite Nanny Bid biscuits at every family occasion.
Biddy was a committee member and club organiser at PKC starting up a Knit and natter group which is still running now. They would make hats, cardigans and toys for Kings college hospital to raise funds for the Prem babies.
It was only recently that her health has not been so good that she decided to retire from the knit and natter, but she would still enjoy a good cup of tea with them all.
There will never be anyone quite like her again, and can honestly say that anyone that had the fortune to come across her loved her Instantly.

You will be missed so very much RIP with your love
Xxx