Molly Matthews MOLLY Matthews (83), who lived in Loose from 1972, spent her life in the area and was known through her career in the financial industry and her membership of a number of local groups. Born Molly Springett in Maid-


stone, she was married to John for 61 years. The couple’s homes before Loose included Barming and Penenden Heath, and they raised children Lor- raine and Simon. Molly began work at financial


firm Watson, Christie and House, aged 15, joining her fa- ther at the company. She worked until Lorraine’s birth and returned in her 40s, retiring as themanager of a department. During her years with the firm it underwent takeovers and name changes. It is currently the Willis Group, and it moved from the High Street to Medway House, in Queen’s Road. Daughter Lorraine said: “My motherwas also involved in the WRVS. She was an activemem- ber of a number of local groups and was in theMothers’ Union, as well as Loose WI, the horti- cultural and history societies. “She stayed active into her


80s and was very knowledge- able on a lot of subjects and a great conversationalist. She stayed in touch with current af- fairs throughout her life.” Molly leaves her husband, her children and grandchildren Helen, Harriet and Hannah.


We will remember


Lorraine Williams LORRAINE Williams (47) re- turned to Park Wood for the final decade of her life, after previously living in Shepway. The former Senacre School pupil was known throughout theareafrom hertimeasa tough-tackling right back for Maidstone Ladies and Maidstone Tigresses. Lorrainewas part of one of the


most successful sides in the his- tory of women’s football locally, and her talents had taken her to play in USA, Greece and Spain. Lorraine had a daughter, Stacey, and worked for UK En- velopes in Aylesford, where her colleagues included her football teammates. Stacey said: “My mum’s team-


mates still say they’re glad she was on their side because they’d have been scared to face her on an opposing team! “She was very loved and very


loud and loved a laugh and a joke and could be very outgo- ing. She was really close to her grandchildren and lots of peo- ple are really going to miss her, because she had that loving quality that allowed her to do


anything for anyone. She was my mother, but also my best friend.”


Lorraine leaves her mother Linda, two sisters, her daughter and grandchildren Owen, Harley and Honey.


Michael Hanson MICHAEL Hanson (77), who spent the final decade of his life at Riverside Park, East Farleigh, waswell-known throughout the area from a career working as a joiner and carpenter, noted for his artisan skills and talents. Born in Boughton Monchelsea,


his homes over the years also in- cluded Boxley and Coxheath. Michael’s father ran the garage


in Linton, on the current site of the Shell garage, and Michael served an apprenticeship with Corben’s building firm, working with them before becoming self- employed.His subsequent work included contracts for his for- mer employers and a range of work throughout the area. Michael’s marriage to Betty produced sons Paul and Steve. After separating from Betty, he spent the final 15 years of his life with partner Jenny. Paul said: “My Dad had a real


talent for his work. The artisan quality that allows people to be really creative with wood was definitely therewith him, and he was also known for doing superb restoration work on old cars, in- cluding an Austin 12/4 and an Austin Swallow.” Michael leaves a sister, his


Serving the local community since 1985


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sons, partner Jenny and grand- daughters Gemma and Amy.


Carolyn Joyner CAROLYN Frances Joyner (66) lived locally after her marriage to Michael in 1966. The couple moved to Bearsted


and spent the last 35 years near Ulcombe. Born Car-


olyn Hughes in Romford, Essex, she met Michael at the age of 14 and spent much of her working


life using her secretarial skills supporting him as a builder. The couple were parents to Michelle and Nicholas. Michael Joyner said: “Carolyn was very family-orientated and loved holidays. She was a wonderful home-maker and a gentle and loving person.” Carolyn leaves her husband, children and grandchildren Thomas, Kieran, William and Hermione.


Alan Bye ALAN Bye (81), who lived in ParkWay,Maidstone, from 1970, was known throughout the area as a horticulturalist who had given talks to local organisations. Born near


Twyford in Berkshire, he trained as a draughtsman. He did his na- tional service before working at Waterers, a plant nursery near Wargrave, Berkshire, and played cricket and football. He and his wife of 56 years,


Hilda, raised daughter Decia and moved locally when Alan took a post as manager at De Jager, a Dutch bulb firm based at Mar- den. In 1975 he got a job as out- door manager at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup. Alan was a member of Maid-


stoneHorticultural Society for 30 years, acted as vice chairman and was made a life member. Daughter Decia said: “He lived


for his family and his plants.” Alan leaves his wife, daughter,


Decia and grandchildren, Alexia and Sion.


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