Sheila Olive Cooke (5 Jun 1928 - 16 Apr 2020)

I will always remember Aunty Sheila's larger than life personality and her impeccable taste in lipstick! Always smiling she would fill the room with laughter and family gatherings were never dull with Aunty Sheila present! Aunty Sheila would never miss a date in the diary and I will treasure all the cards received from her over the years with her beautiful distinctive hand writing. I just hope I am as fashionable and vibrant as Aunty Sheila in years to come. We will miss her dearly and I send all my love to Andrew and the rest of the family at this difficult time. Lots of love, Emma xxxx

I would like to share the following poem, by David Harkins, with all of Aunty Sheila's family and friends in the hope that , like me, they will take some comfort in his words:

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she has gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Sheila was my great-aunt and I will always remember her for the lively and vibrant person that she was. A family get-together with Aunty Sheila was never a quiet or boring affair, she was always chatty and wonderfully upbeat! I will treasure the memories of our family meals out and I'll miss exchanging Christmas, Birthday and Easter cards with her (I always knew when a card was from her before I'd even opened the envelope!). She will be greatly missed. Lots of love, Megan and Josh xxx

So many fond memories of Auntie Sheila and her visits to mum and dad as I was growing up. Always happy , elegant and so unmistakably "Sheila". The last of her generation in our family,, she will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to Andrew and Jackie.

Sheila was a very special aunt. She never forgot a birthday and always had something interesting to talk about. She inspired me in her get up and go spirit and I was impressed that even when she had balance problems in later life she still went out every day for a walk with "her wheels" as she called her mobility aid, only in recent years giving up her heels for flatter shoes, to our great relief. She had a great sense of style and was always impeccably dressed and well groomed. She loved our family get togethers and I have very fond memories of many wonderful meals out together. She will be greatly missed. With love and treasured memories, XXX.

Many happy memories of Sheila over the numerous years we knew her. Good friend to my late parents Audrey and Eddy Turner.. and we are so pleased we got to see her in Reigate just before Christmas 2019.

Sheila was a special Mum, I will miss her smile and little chuckle every time I went to visit.
She had a strong character and was determined, She would always keep the Nurses and Carers in their place at the Reigate Beaumont Care home, where She enjoyed making friends and taking part in all the activities in the last 8 Months of her life, we all thought She would keep going at least until She was 100, so she could receive her telegram from the Queen. It was a shock and so sad that after a short illness Mum died last Week – We will all miss Her. – Her loving Son, Andrew xxx
Due to the current covid-19 restrictions, unfortunately there is a limit to 5 immediate friends & family that can attend the graveside service.