Alma Noelene Stokes 24 January 1928 – 5 May 2023

Lee Bond

Alma, this was part of my speech I read out for you at your celebration of life. At 95 years young, some would say you had a long life as you out lasted many of your peers. Others may say you were just a strong-willed woman, a little stubborn maybe, but we all loved you for it, your way or highway. And as mentioned by Michael and Mark, you had done many a thing with your life. Loads of memories had been created for lots of different people. For me, I can only talk about the last 40 years that I have been part of your family, and the memories I have as a loved and accepted member by you, and your family. Apparently, I was your favourite son in law, well it does help I was your only son in law. So these are some memories I have with you. Alma, you would regularly call on me for some assistance, generally on the quiet, especially when Ted had tried to fix something, and things didn’t go to plan. On other occasions when we would visit you, Alma, you would say which I am sure many have heard. “Oh Lee, glad you came, while you are here, can you do something for me”. But that aside, Alma along with Ted, you were always there to offer a helping hand where you could, to whom you could. This help could take many different forms. Alma you would help if someone was not well or ill, where you would arrive with casserole or cake. And I am happy to report, I was a recipient of your home-made Pea Ham soup on a regular winter occasion, mind you sick or not, you loved to share. Your cooking and baking, Alma made you to be known as the yo-yo and sponge cake queen, and lucky for me that mantle and trait you have passed down to Julie, so thank you Alma. Alma you were also very handy with needle and thread, many a button replaced, item of clothing hemmed or mended, especially for the grandchildren. As mentioned, Alma you were very supportive throughout your life to many people. So for Julie and I, some of your support was in the form of child care, now some would say that’s what grandparents do. But, the difference is you loved it, to have time to spend with your grandchildren. So when Julie went back to school to study. You would arrive at our door step at 7AM to look after your then young grandchildren, as I had already gone to work and Julie would leave on your arrival. Alma, you would get Claire and Jake ready, down the street off to school. You would then entertain Jonathan for the day, which you enjoyed. Jonathan and you had a close bond, mind you, you had a close bond with all your grandchildren. And I am sure they all have their own story or memory involving you. Alma, you would regularly advise everyone how it was you, who taught Jon how to throw and kick a ball. Until one of our neighbours complained about the balls going over the fence, then apparently it was our fault. Whilst caring for Jon, you would take him to the library basically once a week as we were told and so we thought, that’s lovely right. But we found out this was your special code for actually going to McDonalds. You use to have the obligatory ice cream, and Jon whatever he liked, Nan’s treat, usually nuggets. Another memory we have and still share amongst our family today is, on one of those mornings when you were looking after our children. And you were toasting some bread to which you burnt and really well. Apparently, you said our toaster was different. Julie and I had taught our children an emergency evacuation plan. So as the smoke alarm sounded and a cloud appeared in the kitchen, Claire our eldest rounded up the two boys and hightailed to the mailbox, our evacuation point. Meanwhile in the clearing smoke, Alma, you were left behind madly waving a tea towel and to wonder what just happened and where the children are, whilst calling out for them. We still have a chuckle over this at family gatherings. Alma you are forever in our Hearts, and thoughts now go rest in peace along with your and our Ted. We shall take it from here, as your legacy lives on in Michael, Julie, Richard and the next generations here before us today and those unable to make it, as they all have various traits of yours in them. In finishing, I have one final thing to say. Julie has said to me, if you ever find an unexpected feather. That’s a sign of a loved one who has passed over thinking of you, so with that in mind, may you all find a feather from Alma, because we are all thinking of her here today. Alma, from your family, we love you and we thank you.