A LADY who won hearts, touched lives and spread joy and love was celebrated at the memorial service for Rachel Charlotte Maycock held at Crediton Parish Church on July 30. Rachel died on July 6, there was a private funeral. 

More people filled the church than for many months, a number wearing masks, even while singing, the church choir helping hugely. This was one of the first times the church could be full since the easing of lockdown. 

The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev Matthew Tregenza. Tributes were given by the Rev Preb Anthony Geering, by Rachel’s son James and her daughter Charlotte. Mary Eade played the violin for the solo “A Lark Ascending”. All the hymns and Scripture readings had been chosen by Rachel. 

She was born in a British military family hospital in 1939 in Jubbalpore, Central India. Her father, Hugh Hudson, was a Colonel in the 15th Punjab Regiment; her mother, Barbara was one of the first women to take a degree at Oxford University. 

After World War Two broke out, her father went with his Regiment on the Italian campaign. 

At Independence in 1947 Rachel came home in a troop ship with her aya, her nanny, to be greeted by the bitter winter of February 1947. 

Later she decided to study as a nurse at St George’s Hospital at Hyde Park Corner. 

Before then, she spent a year in Italy teaching English to a Principessa’s 10 years-old son. She learned the language and became immersed in the art and opera of Italy and had a wonderful year. 

She and Christopher met in 1954 when Rachel was a student nurse at Odstock Hospital, Salisbury and Christopher was beginning a paediatric job after returning from an overland trip to India. 

After their marriage they lived at South Petherton where Christopher was a trainee GP, then came a locum job in Cullompton. On a day off they visited Posbury Camp. Not long afterwards they were sent details, by mistake, of a vacancy in Crediton, working with Drs Jackson and Betty Thurlow. Offered the job, Christopher accepted.

For the next 55 years they lived at Neopardy where Rachel created a wonderful garden. She was a Steward at Exeter Cathedral for 38 years and loved travelling in France and Italy. 

Her son said she was a “warm, gentle soul” who had a passion for the arts and a wonderful sense of humour. Charlotte said Rachel was an amazing mother and an incredible person. 

Anthony said she was “a lady who won hearts, touched lives and spread joy and love”. Among other tributes from friends were that she was always a kind and thoughtful person. Kind and caring, always a joy to be with. Lovely company. Always genuinely interested in others while remaining modest and self effacing. 

Charming, gracious, sincere and perceptive. She and Christopher were a great team, complementing each other. Her Christian faith was deep and real. 

“Her twinkling eyes and warm smile will remain a constant memory.” Donations are to be divided equally between Rachel’s local church of St Luke, Posbury and Hospiscare and may be sent via the funeral directors A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.