ELIZABETH GEERING

THE life of Elizabeth Joy Geering was celebrated at a Service of Thanksgiving held at Crediton Parish Church and led by the Rector, Preb Nigel Guthrie.

Elizabeth was born on April 9, 1952 and it was when she was aged 18 that she married former Rector of Crediton, Rev Anthony Geering.

Preb Geering explained that his wife-to-be was a nurse when they first met and that it was during his first day in Coventry as a curate that he met and fell for Liz.

He said: “I was 26 or 27 when we moved to New Zealand and Liz supported me tremendously in a joint Presbyterian/Anglican project while we lived there.  She also ran youth groups, acting as Akela for the local cubs.

“She was the ‘mover and shaker’ of the family and as well as enjoying life as a vicar’s wife, she was a full-time mother of six children after which she went back to nursing, also carrying out some nursing while we lived in New Zealand.

“On our return to the UK, Liz worked at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital Special Care Baby Unit.”

The Geering family came to Crediton more than 30 years ago and all of their children grew up in the town, most still remaining here.

The family moved to Chagford some years ago, Preb Geering continuing as an Anglican priest, until his retirement when the pair moved to Bow. 

A lifelong rugby fan (her father played for Ireland) Liz followed the Six Nations through her illness in Exeter Hospice and she even managed to watch all three round five matches of the Six Nations on March 19. Liz passed away, aged 63 years, after a rapid illness, on March 22. Rev Geering paid tribute to the Hospice at Exeter and the staff and Hospiscare nurses. 

He explained that Liz died with “grace and dignity” after the illness which was bravely borne.

The Service of Celebration included an introduction by the Rev Noel Walter, former Senior Chaplain of Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, which included words from Anthony.

There was a solo, “Silent Worship” (Handel), sung by John Colpoys Wood and a “Bible” reading by Elizabeth’s friend, Rosemary Bleakman.

Tributes from the children were introduced by Dr Howard Bluett and the song “Days” was played by Kirsty MacColl.

Rupert Geering, son of Liz and Rev Geering, said that his mother was generous, fiercely loyal, humble, sympathetic, an excellent cook, a mediator and her children’s biggest fan.

He said: “We’ve been left with so many wonderful memories of her that we will always treasure.

“So many stories that she shared of her childhood in Coventry, and we are all sad that my grandmother couldn’t be here today to recount some of those. 

“In the last few weeks of my mother’s life, we saw just how strong and dignified she was. 

“Her quiet smile as she listened to us reminiscing showed us that although she was weak, she was still listening to us, still enjoying us, and her heart was still full of love for us. 

“As we were driving home from the hospice on the day she died, dad said that she gave one final gift to us, which was teaching us how to die.

“It was peaceful, calm and quite a spiritual experience.”

A recording of the song “Go in Peace” sung by daughter, Perdita, who was performing in CODS performance during the week of the funeral was also played as a tribute.

Prayers said at the service were led by the Rev John Tearnan, who was Anthony’s best man at their wedding; and the Commendation and Blessing were by Preb Guthrie.

The Haka “Ka Mate Ka Mate” was played and the recessional was “Pokarekare Ana” sung by Hayley Westernra, as a compliment to Liz and Anthony’s early life in New Zealand.

Liz chose a wicker coffin which was topped by a simple spray of Rosemary.

Donations were accepted for Hospiscare and Christian Aid through the funeral directors, A White and Sons of Crediton.

Alan Quick