Vanessa Helen Clemens (17 Nov 1955 - 14 Aug 2019)

My darling Nessa. On your birthday sweetheart I think back to the many times that we shared both together and with the children on this special date with the happiest of memories. The kids and I love you and miss you so very very much my darling. Your ever loving P always xxx

To my darling Nessa on mothers’ day with all the love in the world from our children and grandchildren. And from myself, my endless love and devotion to the beautiful person, loving wife and wonderful best friend that I could ever have wished for. I love you darling always and forever your P xxxx

My darling Nessa with endless love from myself, our children and grandchildren on your birthday. My heart and soul is yours and I’m forever your P my darling xxx

My darling Nessa. Another year without the sound of your voice, without your laughter, without our togetherness and without your hand in mine. I love and miss you sweetheart.....Forever your P xxx

Happy birthday my darling. Time is not easily lessening the pain of losing you my Nessa. I love and miss you so very much sweetheart. Your P always xxx

Another year gone by. Remember what we used to say to each other: ‘How much do you love me?’ and our response to each other never changed in 45 years: ‘With all my heart and soul’. Miss you so much my Nessa xxx Your P xxx

I love you so much my darling. Always in my heart and thoughts on this special day for the children, grandchildren and myself. Love you my Nessa - your P always xxx❤️

Miss you Mum. Everleys getting so big now, nearly 1, George is 6 tomorrow and Jacob turned big 8. We talk about you all the time and I tell them how proud you are of them. Love you xxx

From us all on your 65th birthday my darling. We love and miss you so much. I love you xxx

With all my love on our wedding anniversary my darling. I love you xxx

My darling Nessa. A year gone by and the silence of your absence is everywhere. There was so much more for us to do together in those years that we thought we would share. Always in my heart and mind, I love you so much. Your ever loving husband P xxx

To my darling Nessa on your birthday. I love and miss you so very much. Your ever loving husband P. XXX

Grateful thanks to Vanessa’s auntie Daphne and cousin Wayne for their kind donation of £20.

In loving memory of our dear friend.

Love you forever, Vanessa.

I count myself wealthy because you were my friend, Vanessa. More than that, all your qualities and quirks came to BE England for me the year I spent working there.

Vanessa and Phil were “assigned” by my UK counterpart to look after me and my husband when we spent a year living across the lane from them. Not only were Vanessa and Phil extraordinary at helping us to integrate into life in England and not feel too isolated, they became valued lifelong friends and confidants. Though Vanessa and I are very different people, we “clicked” from the beginning-- having in common the most important things-- like valuing human decency, compassion, integrity, authenticity, humour, family, friendship and fun.

Few people I know live life as fully as you did, Vanessa, with your endless energy and playful wit and true-hearted loyalty to those you loved. As I call you to mind, I hear your infectious laugh and see the sparkle of fun and mischief in your eyes; I see the passionate lifeforce you exuded. Vanessa, you were kind to people-- not in that silly, girly, pushover way – but in honest and practical ways: you had the capacity to think about another person and figure out ways to help; you were not stingy or fake in the giving of yourself.

I’m not sure if I can explain what I mean when I say you came to be England for me, Vanessa. That year I spent teaching in Maidstone was a difficult one for me, and not many people at my school reached out to me in friendship. Yet, from the first day I arrived in Sheppey (and you and Phil took us to Tesco) right through today, I have loved England. Much of that I attribute to you. You effortlessly transformed me from an outsider looking in, generously taking me into your life and circle, willingly and amusingly translating British culture for me. We took numerous walks and day trips (and even a week-long one!). We talked about politics and history and language and art and food and family and housework and colour and just anything we felt like, big or small.

There are literary and historical lovers whose names everyone knows: Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Beatrice and Dante. To my husband and me, Phil and Vanessa’s love was of that legendary caliber. They were romantic: I can picture them now, strolling in front of us, holding hands like teenagers on our way home from the local pub, their love never growing tired or predictable. They were complementary: they fit together like puzzle pieces and respected unquestioningly the qualities and interests each brought into the relationship. The love and admiration and support they had for one another showed in their every move and word and look. When Phil told me the grandkids merged their names into one, I was not surprised. They are such a solid unit.

Our hearts are broken at the news of Vanessa’s death. We are immeasurably grateful for the time we had with her – and all the intervening years of felt-friendship, even when we did not see her. Hard to say farewell to one so vibrant, so beautiful and so true as our Vanessa.

Auntie Vanessa always remember you with a smile on your face.

Whenever Tina and me stayed, Breakfast was there when we woke up, lunch was arranged before we’d finished breakfast and dinner was set up before lunch was even finished. It’s taken me time to put the words down, but I really just want to say Thank you. For looking after me like a mother and being an amazing Nana to Benjamin. You are greatly missed and won’t be forgotten. All my love, Arron x

In memory of our beautiful daughter and sister. You will be missed so very much. Rest in peace. Mum, Dad, David and Terry

RIP Vanessa
we had some great memories at lilliput and I'll remember your laughter and warm smile forever xx

I have some lovely memories of us working together, you will be sadly missed