Tributes have been paid to Moat House resident Stella Turl, who has passed away at the age of 102 following a full and active life with many friends and loved ones.
Stella, a former Leicestershire bowls player and wedding and bridesmaid dressmaker, moved into Moat House three years ago, radiating warmth and positivity with her generous spirit.
Grand-daughter Catriona Brandreth said: “She would do anything for anybody and was interested in everybody she met, hearing their stories and about their families. She made people feel special, which is a gift, and had amazing charm, incredible energy and a real inner strength.”
Moat House deputy manager Fran Abell said: “Stella was an absolute joy to look after, to talk to and spend time with, a lovely person with a good sense of humour who had many friends at the home, residents and staff alike. She joined the knitting club and even when she could no longer join in, she still came and sat in. A very special lady and we will miss her greatly.”
Born in Sapcote, Stella left Sapcote C of E School at 14 and became an apprentice dressmaker for Adderley’s, which became Marshall & Snelgrove, continuing her training at Hetherington’s in Leicester. She then worked for several factories in the county, including making Ladybird children’s clothes in Stoney Stanton, as well as running her own wedding dress business.
Stella, who had three great-grandchildren, met her future husband, Tom, when she was a pupil at Sapcote C of E School, the pair of them marrying in 1934 when Stella was 20. They had Gillian in 1937 and Diane in 1940. They celebrated their diamond wedding in 1994 and were thrilled to get a telegram from the Queen.
Stella and Tom, who died in 2000, built their own house in Sapcote, before moving to Hinckley on their retirement. They were both keen bowls players, Stella representing Leicestershire on numerous occasions and playing the sport until she was well into her eighties. The married couple also loved European holidays and enjoyed helping at front of house at Hinckley Theatre.
Stella also belonged to the Ladies Fellowship at Sapcote Methodist Church, where she was christened, and then Hinckley Methodist Church, where she was a lifelong member. She also spent many years going to Salvation Army Friday lunches, where she made many new friends.
http://www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1573467/Paying-tribute-to-a-very-special-lady