Beryl Mary Smith was born on 22nd May 1934 in Salford, Greater Manchester to parents Marie (pronounced Marree) and Vincent. She has an older brother, Ray, who still lives in Salford.

Beryl was raised by her grandmother in her early years whilst her mother went out to work. Her grandmother ran a pub at the time called ‘The Farriers Arms’. Beryl spent a lot of time at the pub with her aunties and cousins. Family life revolved around the pub and not surprisingly, Beryl, from the outset, was a good mixer and very sociable.

Having left school at the age of 14, which was the norm in those days, Beryl first worked for an animal feed company, in their accounts department, having completed her training as a Comptometer.

As Beryl continued through her teenage years, like most young women she loved the fashions of the day and soon became quite the style icon, attractive, stylish and always the height of fashion!

Beryl met a local boy named Colin and they married in December 1954. Tragically, he died some 3 months later and Beryl was understandably devastated. However, there were good times ahead. Beryl returned to her mothers home and began to go out with her friends again.

Towards the end of 1955, Beryl met Rick at the Ritz Ballroom in Manchester. Ricks company had transferred him to Manchester from London to work on a project. To fill in an evening, he took himself to the Ritz Ballroom where he spotted Beryl. He asked her for a dance and the rest is history. They were both very good dancers, and this shared passion led to a mutual attraction and their courtship followed.

After 3 months it was time for Rick to return to London. Beryl used to laugh as she recalled “neither of us had much on over Christmas” and so, following a whirlwind romance, they decided to get married on Christmas Eve, 1955, at Hackney Registry Office. This began a long and happy marriage of some 57 years, which saw the celebration of a golden wedding anniversary in 2005.

Beryl and Rick settled down to married life in London, initially living in the attic flat above Rick’s Aunty’s house. They continued to share their love of dancing, taking lessons and entering competitions all over the country including at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Following the arrival of Elaine in 1959, the growing family moved to a house Ongar, Essex and Graham arrived four years later in 1963.

In 1966 the family moved from Ongar to Berkhamsted as Rick was now working in Cricklewood. Beryl was everything a mother and wife should be and more. She supported Ricks flourishing career and nurtured their growing children in a well organised and immaculate home. In 1974 the family upsized to live in Felden where the family grew up and fled the nest. Beryl and Rick remained there until 2005.

Rick was a keen golfer and so Beryl decided, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. So she did and joined the golf club in 1973. Beryl proved herself to be the better player, becoming Ladies Captain in 1983 with a single figure handicap. After retirement, Rick concentrated his efforts on other projects and was instrumental in the building of the new Berkhamsted Golf clubhouse. It is now a beautiful and thriving clubhouse bringing enjoyment to all the members. Beryl was a member of the club for 50 years and only stopped playing golf when the pandemic hit.

Beryl and Rick moved to Castle Village in 2005. Unfortunately, Rick was suffering from dementia and his condition deteriorated. Beryl looked after him as a loyal, committed and devoted wife. In 2007, he was admitted to a care home where he was looked after with kindness and compassion. Beryl visited him every single day for 5 years until his sad passing in 2012.

Beryl was a lovely, kind and generous grandmother to Lauren and Erin. She was always very supportive and so proud of their achievements. When her great grandchildren arrived; Luca, Sienna and Ella they were equally cherished; they were Beryl’s pride and joy.

Beryl was a very resilient and strong woman who made friends easily with her warm, outgoing personality. She had a good social life and was even out dancing on this New Year’s Eve at the Mansion House. This was in spite of the fact that her cancer had progressed and treatment had been withdrawn in November 2022. She lived a positive life with the love and support of her family and friends.

Beryl remained a fighter to the end. In her last week she was looked after by her loving daughter and son with the help of the Hospice of St. Francis and Rennie Grove nurses, who I would like to thank on behalf of Beryl’s family. Beryl passed away at home on 4th February 2023 with Elaine and Graham by her side. She will be lovingly remembered by family and friends alike and leaves her legacy of love through them and hopefully many more generations to come.