THE life of a true Kirtonian, someone who loved animals, was an avid writer of letters to the “Crediton Courier” and an active campaigner for road safety, was remembered at her funeral service on September 18.

More than 50 people attended the service to remember Joan Farley, held at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium, led by Crediton Rector, the Rev Matthew Tregenza.

He said that Joan was born in Exeter Road, Crediton on January 30, 1941.

After meeting Derrick in 1957, they married in 1963 at Holy Cross Church, after which they converted two Exeter Road cottages, numbers 8 and 9, into one to create a home, Joan’s mother living at number 9 until she died.

Joan worked at Shippams and Ernest Jackson factory before working for social services. Her final employment was undertaking private home help for a number of people in Crediton.

Derrick and Joan played skittles for Kirton Krackers and although they didn’t have a family, Joan was very fond of children and sent many parcels to International Aid, including Christmas shoe boxes.

Rev Tregenza said she was kind to the Toddler Group at Holy Cross, often popping in for a cup of tea.

He said she was an avid knitter, making items to support good causes including blankets for Battersea Dogs Home, also sending many treats for the dogs.

Matthew said: “Each day, rain or shine, Joan would go up the High Street to have a coffee and to natter to anyone she met. She loved to go to the various church coffee mornings and afternoons too.

“She loved to go to Knit and Natter each week, and this says something about her love of knitting and people.

“Joan sponsored a donkey called Ashley at the Donkey Sanctuary and loved to go and see him. She also sponsored a dog at the Dog’s Trust which she and Derrick named Farley.

“Joan was an avid letter writer to the Crediton Courier and many of us will remember her letters…always to the point and often about road safety and the provision of a crossing or poor air quality caused by traffic on Exeter Road.”

Rev Tregenza spoke of her red fleece jacket, her dry sense of humour, remembered for her generosity, immense kindness, and for being generous of spirit.

He said she nursed Derrick in his final years with immense devotion.

He added that she would have been pleased to see so many at her funeral service.

He concluded: “Joan was real, genuine, quite simply the salt of the earth, loved by all here today.”

Prayers were led by Lay Minister Antonia Tregenza.

Thanks were extended to all who cared for Joan during her latter period of ill heath and those who were by her bedside and kept her company at the care home until her passing on August 9.

Donations, in Joan’s memory, will be given to The Donkey Sanctuary, and can be sent to A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.