Eulogy written by Celebrant with Brenda's family - Patrick Eade.
 Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated. Good morning my name is Patrick Eade, welcome to our gathering. Thank you for being here today in support of Richard, Libby, Nick, Joe, Jessie, Natalie, Zak, and Brenda’s beloved family.
Words however kind can’t mend your heartache but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind, and there are many walking with you in love and support along the way no matter the distance.  
Our Service is a celebration of Brenda’s life – which began in Tilney St Lawrence on Monday, 15th December 1941, the third child of Liz and Harry Morbin, and a sister to Harry and Pete. Harry served our country during those dark days of World War 2 as a fire fighter in the National Fire Service until the end of the war; Bren often recalled with a chuckle those early memories of growing up in rural Norfolk, and going to a local pub where she’d sometimes be treated to a tot of Guinness under the table! The goodness received outweighed any alcoholic intake - and wartime rationing continued until Brenda was 13, and by which time a pupil at a Grammar School near the Oval. 
Bren and her siblings were brought up in a loving household – her teenage years coincided with a time of great change...hopes were high for a brighter future after decades of recession and war. The skyline of our Capital was changing beyond all recognition as bomb sites and no longer fit for purpose accommodation was demolished and across the outskirts of London came new housing, schools, sports and medical facilities. 
It was also a time for teenagers to enjoy themselves, seeking more independence and freedom with their own style of fashion, which Bren had, and going to dance halls, movies. As the economy boomed work was plentiful for school-leavers and Bren entered the world of insurance – at Commercial Union based near Blackfriars Station. For the typists, telephonists, admin assistants employed there it was quite a social hive of activity alongside the actual work (!) and Brenda remembered that nearly every week a party would be called as someone in the Office celebrated a 21st birthday, in the 1960’s this landmark a rite of passage, the key to the door of maturity and adulthood in life.  
Through work, Brenda met a young man called Richard Watson, who also had been born during the war in East Anglia – at Histon - and now back with family in London. A friendship formed, turned to love and the pair married in the beautiful setting of St Wilfred’s Roman Catholic Church, Kennington on 6th March 1965: in the charts that week, “My girl” by The Temptations, “Yes I will” The Hollies, and The Seekers “I’ll never find another you.”
It was also a time of great expansion for many businesses, the “Location of Offices Bureau" had just been set up by the Govt as part of its policy of dispersing office jobs from the centre of London and so with Insurance companies coming to a thriving Ipswich the newly-weds moved, with Bren's beloved Mum, Liz, to Theberton Rd, then Britannia Rd and in Jan 1978 to 9 Carlton Rd Kesgrave.
During that time Richard and Brenda’s happiness was enhanced still further with the arrival of Libby in 1966 and Nick 5 yrs later.  Brenda had gone back to work at Sun Alliance, between having her children and met and became great friends with Jane and Sue. They were lifelong friends and met up for lunch or a coffee and a chat for the next 50 + years!  Then Richard and Jim set up “Retirement Needs Planning” with Brenda becoming involved with the Admin until her retirement aged 60.
I’m sure that Brenda would not want to be remembered in sadness, but rather with a smile and thoughts of all the many good and happy moments in her life. She achieved so much in her life – a private, gentle lady, with warmth and humour and so proud of her beloved family.
Today is very much a celebration of Bren’s 82 yrs, and this a special Poem by Amanda Bradley called “Each Life Affects Another”…
“We may not always realise that every-thing we do, affects not only our lives but touches others, too! For a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care, creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share. 
Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand…every time you show a friend you care and understand…every time you have a kind and gentle word to give…you help someone find beauty in this precious life we live.  
For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love; and giving is the treasure that contentment is made of.” 
Just think of Bren for a few moments; perhaps you’ll remember her love of reading detective novels. The time and great energy she put into her interest of History and gaining through Open University a Degree in Humanity’s – Religions of the World centring on Ancient Greece and Rome. Although born in Norfolk Bren was a committed Ipswich Town fan in the 90’s and was there at the 2000 Play-off’s and subsequent Premier League promotion with Richard and Nick along with 40,000 other Tractor Boys and Girls at Wembley Stadium. 
Bren enjoyed travelling – in 1997 she and Richard went down Memory Lane, returning to Tilney St Laurence and the farmhouse where she’d been a young evacuee. Imagine her thoughts and feelings when the farmer’s daughter came out and said “I recognise you, you’re “Little Bren!” before welcoming the Watson’s into the family home again for a cuppa and catch-up. There were so many stories to share. 
Bren liked to unwind by watching TV and had loved watching detective series and old westerns in the fifties. She said she'd always wanted to go to see where they were filmed so when she and Richard travelled to Colorado the big wide open spaces were a bit déjà vu! And from the Mid-Western State it was on to the rugged beauty of Alaska and the Rockies. They loved going on holidays and even in later years went with their friend, Pete, who didn't mind acting as chief chauffeur and organiser!
And nearer to home, we must mention Bren and quizzes – with Andy and Trish as companions they formed a formidable force at The Cherry Tree, Duke of York and Tuddenham Fountain!  
In recent time Bren gradually became less able, but Richard and the family still did weekly quizzes at home with Bren never forgetting all the Capital cities and answering all the history questions. Richard never forgot that promise made 59 yrs ago, “To love and to cherish, in sickness and in health.” 
The writer Richard Russo observed - “Lives are rivers. We imagine we can direct their paths, though in the end they go where they must, not where we want them to” and it was on the 14th July that Bren passed in the security of her own home, knowing she was dearly loved.  


A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure, a living lasting memory our grateful heart’s will treasure.


Brenda’s family would like to thank you for being here today, your words of sympathy and support at this sad time and invite you to join them for refreshments after the Service at 9 Carlton Rd, Kesgrave, IP5 1EP.
Brenda loved animals and made a house a home for not only family but several pets and cats in particular, and so donations may if wished be made in Brenda’s memory to the RSPCA + NSPCC , direct or online via brendawatson.muchloved.com