I am writing this with great sadness at the death of my beloved Auntie Josephine, a wonderful friend and influence on my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, our families lived in Coventry and we spent a lot of time in each other's houses, her daughter, Angela and I being the same age. She introduced me to the wonders of the cinema and all the great children's films of the 60s, including "Mary Poppins", "the Sound of Music" and "Doctor Zhivago" (one of her particular favourites) bought books for me and she and Jack took me and my siblings on holiday a couple of times, all producing many formative memories that have stayed with me all my life. When I lost my own mother very suddenly, she was a great support, and I had a period when I experienced some panic-style attacks, and some things she said really helped me to move past things. Both of us suffered from claustrophobia and we were always able to share stories about this and have a laugh together. She had a great sense of humour and was so kind, thoughtful and easy to chat to. She was very open-minded and non-judgmental with a wisdom that always made me value her opinion. Even though she moved back to Ireland many years ago and we only met maybe once a year, I never felt like she had forgotten me and was always there on the end of telephone. I will never forget her taking the time to ring me briefly only a few days ago despite her failing health. I now realise she was ringing to say goodbye. She will remain in my heart, forever one in a million to me. R.I.P I'll miss you, Auntie Jo 💔

Geraldine McLaughlin