Joan Groom 1914 - 2003
Joan was the youngest of three girls. She did very well at school winning a scholarship, which extended her education until she was 18years old, a long time for those days. When she married she lived in Ashtead and had two children, a daughter Jo and a son Chris.
After her husband died, Joan moved to Leatherhead and became a regular member of All Saints' Church, where she joined in all the activities, as well as cleaning the brass. She had a ready sense of humour and I never once heard her complain or have anything but a kind word to say to people.
Later she moved back to Ashtead to be in sheltered accommodation near to her daughter, who continued to bring her to Church each Sunday, but sadly because of of the progression of Alzheimer's disease, Jo had finally to make the heart-rending decision to move Joan to a nursing home at Box Hill, but she was very lovingly cared for there.
Her daughter told me Joan was always such fun to be with and could always find a funny side to most situations; what a lovely tribute to her. Joan once wrote to me when I was ill some words, which she said she used often - "I do not fear to tread the road I cannot see, because the hand of One who Loves is leading me". Now God has led her to that final resting place. May she be at peace and may God's love comfort her family at this sad time.
Sheila ReynoldsIf you have any memories of Joan please contact Frank Haslam, the editor of these pages.