Hyndburn funeral and death notices for special people who died over Christmas

Hyndburn's loved and lost
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Tributes have been left this week to remember loved ones in Hyndburn who have recently passed away over the Christmas period.

Announcing the death of a family member has been a time-honoured tradition for family and loved ones. We have gathered the messages posted this week in one place.

To see the full list of death notices, in memoriams, and birthday memoriams, then please visit the Accrington section in Funeral Notices online. You can search by names, date range, and filter by time or alphabetically.

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Here is a list of those who have appeared over the last week. Our thoughts go out to all friends, family and loved ones.

You can leave your tributes in the comments below.

Joan Mary Banks (née Hitchen)

Joan Mary Banks (née Hitchen)
Joan Mary Banks (née Hitchen)

It is with sadness, yet in celebration of a full and rich life, that we announce the calm and peaceful passing away of Joan on Friday, December 13, aged 93. The widow for 20 years of her beloved Keith, Joan was mother to two sons, Grandma to six and a great friend to many.

As well as being a loved mother and grandmother, Joan taught for 27 years at Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle and took delight in meeting former pupils in many different and unexpected places.

She was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to young people in Accrington, stemming from her work as a founding and long-serving governor of St Nicholas CE Primary School, Church and also as chairman of the Accrington branch of the Children’s Research Fund charity.

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The family worshipped for many years at St Andrew’s Church, Accrington and then at Blackburn Cathedral, where Joan was a regular presence for nearly 50 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, January 17, at Blackburn Cathedral at 11.30am followed by a private committal at Pleasington Crematorium. The family have requested family flowers only please and donations may be made to the Alder Hey Children’s Charity to support their research work.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity, E Prescot Road, Liverpool, L14 5AB, info@alderheycharity.org, www.alderheycharity.org, call 0151 252 5716. Funeral directors: Wolstenholme Funeral Directors, Willows Lane, Accrington, BB5 0RT, 01254 232604.

Sylvia Foster

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia on Sunday, December 22, aged 87 years.

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Devoted wife to Harold, treasured mother to Helen and Janet, sister to Barbara, loving grandma and great grandma and a great friend to many. Sylvia for many years was a health visitor in Accrington and the surrounding area.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, January 13, a private committal at Accrington Crematorium, followed by church service at Briercliffe Road Church, Burnley at 12pm. The family have requested family flowers only, donations are being received to Pendleside Hospice.

Funeral Directors: Wolstenholme Funeral Directors, Willows Lane, Accrington, BB5 0RT, 01254 232604.

Yvonne Thornley

Yvonne Thornley
Yvonne Thornley

Yvonne Thornley of Eachill Gardens, Rishton, died peacefully in hospital on Friday, December 27, aged 63 years.

During her life Yvonne worked for Rist Wires in Accrington, in a local nursing home and was also the owner of a fabric shop in Great Harwood in the 80s /90s. In her spare time, she enjoyed going shopping with her daughter, spending time with her pet chihuahua Sally and also sitting in the garden when it was sunny.

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She sadly leaves behind her dearly loved daughter Tara and son-in-law Jamie, her much loved grandson Oliver and her dear sisters Joanne, Jacqueline and Leanne. Yvonne will be very sadly missed by all her loving family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10.20am on Friday, January 17, at Accrington Crematorium. Family flowers only please, but donations in memory of Yvonne are being welcomed for the East Lancashire Hospice, further enquires please to Paul Barton of Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.

Rodney Kenyon ‘Rod’

Rodney Kenyon 'Rod'
Rodney Kenyon 'Rod'

Rod passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on December 29, aged 78.

The devoted and much loved husband of Beverley, loving dad of Sarah, Simon, Sam, Mark, Michael and Jean, a cherished grandad, great-grandad and honorary grandad, loved brother of Linda and late Myra and a dear uncle relative and good friend to many.

Rod, a former president, chairman and lifelong member of Accrington Cricket Club, was a well-known and beloved figure in the cricket community. He dedicated much of his time and energy to his cherished club, earning the admiration of many.

A passionate football fan, Rod was also a loyal supporter of Accrington Stanley and Manchester City. Throughout his working life, Rod held various roles, including motor mechanic, cobbler and van driver for multiple companies before his retirement.

Known for his generosity and community spirit, he devoted considerable effort to helping others, particularly through fundraising for Children in Need. He organised quiz nights and other events to raise money for the cause, reflecting his selflessness and dedication.

Rod enjoyed holidays across the UK and Bev even managed to persuade him to holiday in Majorca, which he enjoyed. Proud of his Lancastrian heritage, he held a deep affection for his hometown of Accrington.

It was a place that always held a special place in his heart, the place he called home. Rod’s funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium on Thursday, January 16 at 11.40am.

Family flowers only please. Donations are being gratefully received in Rod’s memory on behalf of Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

To make a donation please visit www.champfunerals.com/obituaries or send to the funeral directors. All enquiries to Champ Funeral Services (01254) 390731 info@champfunerals.com

James Howarth Gregory

James Howarth Gregory, aged 81, passed away peacefully on December 12, in Blackburn.

Born on June 10, 1943, Howarth was formerly of Accrington and Sabden. He was a devoted husband to Stella and a loving father to Richard, Philip, Kerry, and Rachel.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will take place on Wednesday, January 15, at 12pm at The English Martyrs in Whalley, followed by interment at Whalley & Wiswell Cemetery at 1pm. A small gathering for family and friends will be held afterward at Clitheroe Golf Club.

Family flowers only, with donations gratefully accepted for the British Heart Foundation. Howarth will be remembered as a man deeply loved by all who knew him.

Colin Banyard

Colin Banyard
Colin Banyard

Colin Banyard of Oswaldtwistle passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 25, aged 99 years. The beloved husband of the late Edna and a much-loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, relative and friend to many.

Colin was a passionate and avid dancer, with a deep love for ballroom and sequence dancing. A well-known and cherished figure within the dancing community, he brought joy to countless lives by organising memorable dance nights and trips to Blackpool, St Annes, and Morecambe.

His dedication went beyond local events; even on holiday in Spain, Colin’s enthusiasm led him to set up impromptu dance nights. Through these events, he raised much-needed funds for his beloved church, Stanhill Methodist, where he was a lifelong and devoted member.

During his early years, Colin trained as an engineer during World War II, a path that saw him serve with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) during his National Service. He later built a successful career at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) as an auto setter, a role he cherished.

Colin earned immense respect from his colleagues, dedicating over 30 years to the company until his retirement. A gifted and resourceful man, Colin had an exceptional ability to turn his hand to any task.

He was particularly skilled at restoring old cars and was a trusted point of contact for anyone in need of car repairs. Among his many hobbies, Colin was also a passionate pigeon fancier.

Renowned for his prize-winning birds, he earned numerous trophies and awards and was an active member of the Blackburn and Oswaldtwistle Pigeon Clubs. Colin was fiercely independent, living life on his own terms and devoting himself wholeheartedly to the things he loved.

His warmth, talent and dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Colin’s life will be held at Stanhill Methodist Church on Tuesday, January 14, at 11am, followed by committal at Accrington Crematorium.

Family flowers only please. Donations are being gratefully received in Colin’s memory on behalf of The British Heart Foundation.

To make a donation please visit www.champfunerals.com/obituaries or send to the funeral directors. All enquiries to Champ Funeral Services (01254) 390731 info@champfunerals.com

Colin Monks

Colin Monks
Colin Monks

Colin Monks, of Nelson Street, Accrington, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, December 18, aged 82 years.

During his life Colin worked as a plasterer and then later at Hollands Pies. In his spare time and during his retirement he enjoyed attending the New Era Men’s Group and loved going to and browsing around car boot sales.

He also enjoyed playing pool and was a lifelong fan of Preston North End Football Club. He was also a former member of the Woodnook Residents Association.

A dearly loved husband of the late Pauline, Colin sadly leaves behind his much-loved daughters Lesley and Hayley, his dear son-in-law Stephen, his treasured grandchildren Jon-Paul, Lance, David and Amelia and great grandchildren Eva, Jacob, Charlie and Theo. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place at 10.30am, on Monday, January 20, at St James Church, Accrington, prior to interment in Accrington Cemetery. Family flowers only please, but donations in memory of Colin are being welcomed for Happy Cats Hyndburn, further enquires please to Paul Barton of Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.

Isabella Dunderdale

Isabella Dunderdale
Isabella Dunderdale

It is with great sadness the family announce the sad passing of their beloved Isabella, who passed away peacefully, in Vine House Care Home, Oswaldtwistle on Friday, December 20, aged 85.

A dearly loved mother of Catherine, Cheryl, Julie and the late Roy and Shonagh. She was also a treasured grandma of eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Isabella be missed tremendously by all those who knew her. Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 31, at Accrington Crematorium.

Donations are still being welcomed in memory of Isabella for Dementia UK or the Alzheimer’s Society and can be made via Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.

Rita MacFarlane

Rita MacFarlane
Rita MacFarlane

Beloved wife of the late Stuart, loving mum of Julie, Michelle and Katrina, dear mother-in-law of Pete and Andy, cherished nan of Chloe, Stuart, Ryan and Millie, great grandma of Louie, dear sister of jimmy and a very special auntie of Paul.

Rita was born in Blackburn and attended St Hilda’s School. Upon leaving school Rita’s first job was at R.O.F. in Blackburn.

Rita first met her future husband Stuart at the age of 17 at the Mecca Dance Hall in Blackburn, where they loved to dance the jive which was their signature dance, often taking part in dance competitions.

Rita was planning to go to America to become a nanny, but all this changed when Stuart proposed to Rita and they were married in 1966 at St Thomas Church, Blackburn. Upon the birth of their first child Rita became a housewife and returned to working life when she and Stuart became publicans of the Bird i’th Hand Pub in Hindley, Wigan.

After four years they returned to Blackburn and Rita worked at Mullard’s before Stuart and Rita became landlord and landlady of the Duckworth Hall Inn in Oswaldtwistle. They stayed there for 15 years before their retirement.

Rita loved baking and cooking and enjoyed many memorable holidays in Greece and Portugal with her beloved Stuart. Rita will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Rita’s funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium on Tuesday, January 14 at 3pm. Family flowers only please.

Donations are being gratefully received in Rita’s memory on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice. To make a donation please visit champfunerals.com/obituaries or send to Champ Funeral Services.

Jordan David Roche

Jordan David Roche
Jordan David Roche

Jordan David Roche of Dunnyshop Avenue, Accrington, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 22, aged 38 years.

During his life Jordan enjoyed computer gaming, listening to music especially 2 PAC, R&B and MC Finchy. He also liked boxing and watching the football, with Manchester United being his favourite team.

Jordan sadly leaves behind his dearly loved mum Tracey and stepdad Oliver, dad David and children Tyler, Charlotte and Skye. He was also a much loved brother of Michael, Kerry and Lisa, a treasured grandson of Carol and the late Donald, as well as a dear nephew of Julie, Janet, Paul and the late Tony and cousin of Jimmy-Lee, Shana and Kane and friend of Robert and Frank.

Jordan will be very sadly missed by all his loving family and friends. His funeral service will take place at 1.40pm, on Friday, January 17, at Accrington Cemetery Chapel followed by interment in Accrington cemetery.

Family flowers only please, but donations in memory of Jordan are being welcomed for the British Heart Foundation, further enquires please to Paul Barton of Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.

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