Noreen Frances Carless (21 Aug 1937 - 31 Mar 2025)

In loving memory of Noreen Frances Carless who sadly passed away on 31st March 2025, aged 87 years.

Flowers may be sent c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, Rainham by 1:00 pm
Donations, if desired, in Noreen's memory for Guide Dogs may be made online via this site

WE INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF NOREEN TO JOIN US FOR A FUNERAL SERVICE AND
CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE
MONDAY 12th MAY at 3pm GARDEN OF ENGLAND CREMATORIUM, BOBBING, ME9 8GZ
and afterwards everyone is welcome for tea at
THE TEAROOM, GARDENING WORLD, NEWINGTON ME9 7SZ

Our lovely Mum, Noreen, known for her beautiful smile and lovingly generous personality was born to Ken and Molly Matheson, in Dover 21/8/1937. The family lived in Dover until the Second World War when they moved to Dunbar, Scotland as Noreen’s father was in the Seaforth Highlanders and he was called back to Scotland. At the end of the war they all moved back to Dover where they lived in Buckland Avenue for many years. Noreen and Roger met on Guy Fawkes night when they were both sixteen, and it wasn’t long before they were dating. Noreen and Roger married on 1/12/1956 and enjoyed a long and happy marriage together. When they married Roger was a young policeman stationed at Whistable, Kent. In 1958 their first child, Carol Anne was born followed three years later by Valerie Anne in 1961. The family moved around Kent as Roger was promoted up the ranks of the police force. Their journey took the family from Whitstable to Chatham, Folkestone, Maidstone and Broadstairs arriving in Sittingbourne in 1969. Here they settled for awhile and Noreen and Roger formed many friendships with other local couples through their involvement with Roundtable, FortyOne Club, Rotary and Ladies Circle, friendships which are still thriving strongly to this day. For awhile Noreen, Roger and Valerie moved to Croydon due to Roger’s career move from the Police to British Gas, as always Noreen found employment this time with with Croydon local authority. During this period Noreen was drawn to Yoga and it wasn’t long before she decided to train as an adult education teacher and was soon running her own Yoga classes, often taking classes of over thirty at a time through their exercises and meditations. Both Noreen and Roger were able to take somewhat early retirement and again they moved home, this time settling in Newington close to Carol and their granddaughters firstly Lizi, then Alice followed by Emily. Later on their great grandsons Rufus and Otis, also lived at Newington for sometime. Noreen and Roger’s shared love of golf fulfilled many happy hours playing at Sittingbourne golf club, other local courses and many courses whilst on holiday in Spain and other countries with their long time friends they met at Sittingbourne Round Table and Ladies Circle etc. There followed many happy years of retirement together ..lots of holidays with friends and family, which usually involved skiing, golf or some other activity! Along with their close and regular involvement with St Mary’s Church at Newington where Noreen and Roger regularly attended for over forty years. Then, very sadly in 2017 Noreen was diagnosed with complicated assorted Dementias which gradually over time took their toll on Noreen’s health and well being, such that in October 2022 the family sadly decided to move Noreen into fulltime nursing care at Elvy Court, Sittingbourne. Noreen resided at Elvy Court for nearly two and half years with Roger religiously visiting her every single day (except when he had a nasty fall and missed a few visits!). Roger, Carol, Valerie and the family will be forever grateful to every member of staff at Elvy Court for the love, care and dedication they shared with Noreen during her time there. Dementia is a very challenging condition for the one who suffers, their family and their carers …to witness a loved one’s decline is harrowing, but with the support of all the staff Noreen’s final journey was made as comfortable as possible with the dignity she deserved, and the family’s heartfelt gratitude will forever be with the wonderful team of dedicated staff at Elvy Court. May our beautiful Mum, Wife, Nanna and Friend to many, Rest in Peace. Amen xx