MRS Dorothy Joyce Stoodley (Joyce) of North Petherton, formally of Bridgwater, passed peacefully away, after losing her brave battle with her illness, on January 9 at Musgrove Park Hospital. She was 77.

The funeral service on January 20, was held at St Mary’s Church North Petherton, followed by internment at Heathfield Cemetery, North Petherton and was conducted by Rev Jane Haslam.

Family mourners: Mr Len Stone (partner); Lynne Derbidge and Steven Haines, Jill and Vass Vasilios (daughters and son-in-laws); Lee and Karen Derbidge, Andrianna and Alastair Franks, Mark Derbidge and Stacy Griffiths, Marcus Vasilios (grandchildren); Michael Derbidge (also rep Robert and James), Atheana Franks (great-grandchildren); Bet and Ivor Biddiscombe (sister and brother-in-law); Paul, Christine, Michael Biddiscombe and Paula Barber (nephew and family); Pam Bryant (also rep Ian Bryant); Alan and Rosina Chidgey; Bob Chidgey; Muriel Hawkins; Trevor Howe; Jill Taylor; Betty Taylor (also rep Jean and Nick Jones); Betty Hickey; Kieron Howes; Sharon Howes (also rep Mark Howes and Steve Jeffries); Timmy Howes; Andrew and Dale Millar; Pip Millar; Kay Mockridge; Lorraine Taylor (also rep Mr and Mrs M Rees); Barry Temlett (also rep all family); Stephen Temlett (cousins); Mike Stone and Dianne Coleman; Dave and Pat Stone (also rep Mr and Mrs J Mercer and Mr and Mrs P Mercer); Hayley Stone and James Morgan; Craig Stone; Christopher Stone (also rep Pete Druce); Rachael Stone and Paul Radford; Kirsty Stone; Jason Coleman; Alf and Edna Richards; Lynn Warren; Roger and Doreen Franks; Michael and Molly Sambati; Soula Sherlock; Andrew, Ellie, Nick and Soula Nicolaou; Vikki Haines and Marion Mallin.

Other mourners: Pauline Allen (also rep John); Karen Beaver (also rep David); Mary Bennett and Harold Doster; Diane Comer; Trevor and Ann Coram; Michael and Brenda Dale; Tony and Tracy Derbidge; Jean Woolley (also rep Roy); Lesley-Ann Derbidge; Audrey Derbidge (also rep Roger, Gary, Paul and family); Phillip and Nesta Slee; Mr and Mrs J Elson; Mary Futcher (also rep Pete, Nigel and family); Sheriff and Sheila Gamble; Jim Gardener; Jean Gibbs (also rep Nancy Bunch and Janet French); Stephen Gill; Andrew and Jane Goddard; Nigel Hales and Chrissie Heath; Rita Haysham (also rep Ted); Andrew Hinckley; Courtney and Jean Lock; Judith Long (also rep Paul); John and Molly Mason; Jack and Muriel Mercer; Joyce Morris; Maureen Page; John and June Perrett; Wendy Ransome; John Riley; Gerald and Dorothy Rossiter; Joan Sharkey (also rep Derek); Sandra Sibley (also rep Darren Knight); Keith and Pam Squires; Kath Vowles; Mr and Mrs M Webber; Cyril and Margaret White; Rosemary Whitmarsh.

There were beautiful family flowers only, with donations being received for The Beacon Centre, Musgrove Park Hospital.

Funeral arrangements were by A. W. Waterjohns and Son of Clare Street North Petherton.

Len, Lynne, Jill and families would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy, cards, and donations received. Thank you to all who attended the funeral, with apologies if any names are missing.

A special thank you to the Doctors and nursing staff of North Petherton Surgery, St Margaret’s Hospice and the Beacon Centre. Thanks also to Rev Jane Haslam for her help and kind words of support. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.