Farewell to feisty Florrie (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Farewell to feisty Florrie

7:00am Saturday 6th February 2010

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A DEVASTATED son paid tribute to his “feisty” mum when he bid farewell to the pensioner.

Roy Bourne, 61, of Highlands Estate, Leigh, joined friends, family, Brentwood councillors and representatives from MP Eric Pickles’ office, at the funeral of his mum, Florrie, at Upminster Crematorium.

Florrie, who lived on the East Ham estate in Brentwood, died on Wednesday, January 13, aged 91.

Members of Brentwood Royal British Legion also turned out to honour the pensioner, who served in the Women’s Royal Airforce as a driver during the Second World War.

Roy said: “It was a lovely ceremony, with lots of people there. Mum was always independent, a feisty lady and she is very much missed.

“It was lovely to see members of the British Legion there and the Union Jack on her coffin, that was a lovely tribute.”

At the service, mourners heard about Florrie’s life – how she started work in a sweet factory aged 14, before working in a bakery in Brentwood High Street, where she later became manager.

They also heard her father was a sailor on the Titanic in 1912, but wasn’t on the ship during it’s fateful voyage as his wife was ill and he had to look after her.

Friend and neighbour, Rebecca Taylor, said: “She was a lovely neighbour always ready for a chat and we looked out for each other.”

Florrie’s family believe her death was brought on by stress caused by problems with homes on the East Ham estate.

Two years ago, Newham Homes sent Florrie a £49,000 estimated bill for a planned revamp of her property and part of the estate.

Roy said he has written to housing bosses and will continue to fight to make sure no other vulnerable leaseholders are put through the same ordeal.

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