Mourners say goodbye to popular fundraiser Christine
A large congregation gathered to pay its last respects to a much-loved charity founder, who passed away at her home in Battle last month.
Christine Angela Vear, founder of Knitting for Kisiizi, died suddenly on November 20, aged 70, after a battle with oesophageal cancer.
Her funeral took place at St Mary the Virgin Church, where Christine had been a member of the choir for many years.
The service, lead by the Dean of Battle, the Very Rev Dr John Edmondson, had been planned by Christine herself, and included some of her favourite hymns and readings.
A tribute by the Dean looked back over Christine's life, including her marriage to husband Don, and her tireless charity work.
Christine set up Knitting for Kisiizi in 1999, starting by knitting just a few small baby vests to send to the maternity ward of Kisiizi Hospital in South West Uganda.
Since then 1,200 parcels and more than 1,000 banana boxes of aid, from many willing knitters and others, had been sent out to the region.
From such a humble beginning, the registered charity now has 700 names on it's mailing list.
After the service, the coffin, with a single arrangement of white flowers, was led out the church and the cortage made it's way to Battle Cemetery for the committal.
Christine was buried next to her parents, Olive and Gordon Sutherwood, who lived in Henley Down and Battle in their retirement.
Mourners were then welcomed to North Lodge by Sally and Graham Bishop for the wake.
North Lodge and its picturesque grounds, in North Trade Road, has been the venue for many Knitting for Kisiizi fundraising events over the years.
After the sadness of the funeral, the atmosphere at North Lodge lightened and there was laughter as friends remembered Christine, with many raising a glass and paying tribute to a very remarkable woman.
Don Vear said: "I would like to thank the many people who have sent messages of sympathy and paid tribute to Christine, and the work of Knitting for Kisiizi will continue.
"It has tremendous support and a fine body of willing helpers, who will want to ensure that Christine's legacy lives on."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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