From the Carlisle News and Star:
A tea dance at The Shepherds Inn, in Montgomery Way, Carlisle, will replace the traditional wake, after the 83-year-old’s funeral at Carlisle Crematorium.
Elizabeth Ellen Brown, known as Betty to her many friends, colleagues and family members, had planned her funeral a week before she died.
Her death at Eden Valley Hospice on Friday came as a shock to those who knew her though, as even in her 80s she had been full of life. Betty had been diagnosed with cancer less than three weeks earlier.
Her daughter Christine Kania said: “My mum chose everything; when she went into the hospice she said ‘we need to talk about my funeral’.
“It’s the most difficult conversation I’ve ever had, but she decided where she wanted it, who she wanted and said she wanted a tea dance and no black clothes. She’s also given me all the music she wants played. My mum definitely knew her own mind.”
Full story here.
