'Letter brought tear to my eye:' Son pens heart-warming message to Nailsworth care home staff following mother's death

Florence Clark who was suffering from dementia passed away four days short of her 90th Birthday.

Her son Cameron thanked everyone at Winslow House for making his mother as comfortable as possible during a difficult time for the family.

He said: “All the people there were dedicated to helping her and the other residents to live as happily as possible at a time when their lives were changing and they often found it difficult to accept and cope with the change.

 “I know my mother could be difficult at times but the carers were always patient and helpful whatever demands she placed on them, often going beyond what might reasonably be expected, so they cannot be faulted."

Cameron also noted that car homes regularly receive bad press but it is often forgotten when they do a good job.  

He said: “At a time when most of the press about care homes is negative we cannot forget the great majority of care workers whose dedication to helping others often goes unreported and unnoticed.

“Those at Winslow House are no exception and fully deserve all the praise they receive.”

Director at Winslow House Anne Doran was blown away by the words of kindness.

She said: “Everyone at here goes the extra mile and any employer would wish they had our staff.

“It’s what we do for a living so you should expect nothing less.

“We were over the moon with the letter from Mr Clark and it’s not every day you receive praise like that.

“The letter actually brought tears to my eyes and it makes everything worthwhile."

Florence and her husband Ian at Pentire Hotel, Newqauy in the 1950's

Florence was born on February 15, 1927, in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester and was the elder daughter of Basil and Elsie Nightingale.

Following the birth of Florence’s sister Patricia the family relocated to Haughton Green where the girls would attend school.

The Second World War was not an easy time with sugar rationing having an impact on Basil’s boiled sweet business.

Florence left school as early as possible to take up employment in the T Wall and Sons ice cream factory in Godley, near Hyde where she joined the accounts department and became a comptometer operator.

She attracted the attention of a young man who had arrived in the Walls ice cream factory following his demobilisation from the Royal Engineers.

Florence married Ian Clark on September 16, 1950.

The following year there only baby was on the way and Florence was able to devote herself to family life.

However, Ian was offered a number of different jobs, resulting in a move to London before finally settling at their new house on Rodborough Common in 1964.

Florence loved this house which was to be her home for over thirty years and she soon built up a network of friends as more houses were built in the little community on the Common.

With her son at Marling School Florence was able to pursue her interests such as cookery, walking in the Cotswold countryside and supporting Ian in his sporting endeavours.

By 1995 Ian had retired and the house on Rodborough Common was not one that would suit people in advancing years because of its relatively isolated position.

 The house was sold and Florence and Ian moved into temporary rented accommodation whilst searching for a new home. 

Eventually they discovered the old school in Tetbury which was undergoing a conversion into six houses.

  A short walk from all the facilities of the town, it seemed ideal and preparations for the move were well under way when Ian died suddenly and unexpectedly just as contracts were exchanged. 

Despite this devastating start, Old School Court became Florence’s home for the next 20 years and she became very fond of Tetbury, again building a network of friendships.

Eventually, the strain of maintaining a four-bedroomed house and its garden became too much and, very reluctantly, Florence was persuaded to move to a new retirement apartment at Lewsey Court in Tetbury.

Sadly this proved to be too much upheaval, and too late, because by then it was becoming apparent that dementia was beginning to take hold and Florence's ability to cope with change was rapidly diminishing.

The death of her sister, Pat, last June also hit her very hard.  So after a year or so in Lewsey Court, further support was needed and it was the wonderful staff at Winslow House who provided it.

Florence passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

Her funeral will take place at Westerleigh Crematorium on Thursday, March 16. 

If you would like to pay tribute to Florence please email sam.evans@newsquest.co.uk or call 01453 769414.