It's with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing our of mother, Merle Agnes Penney.

Although she had existing health issues it was a complete shock that her diagnosis of cancer three weeks ago would lead to such a sharp decline in her wellbeing, pneumonia and subsequent passing.

Her sudden passing has left our family grieving and struggling to come to terms with our loss. The expenses that come with saying goodbye to someone so quickly can become overwhelming and this fund will help ease this load and help focus energy on honouring her life.

I'm asking for support to help cover personal costs, travel expenses, funeral arrangements, as well as funds to help support our fathers ongoing health issues.

Our father, Terry, also has multiple health issues which need constant support due to reduced mobility and increased care, which will now have to be increased.

Every donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate, we would love to hear any stories or photos you may have, or sharing this with others and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and kindness.

If you would like to attend the funeral then please get in touch and we can try and accommodate everyone in saying goodbye.

Below is a snippet of Merles colourful life

Originally born in Curacao, Merle Agnes Penney came to the UK at 12 years old on a boat from Anguilla in the early 1960s.

From the moment she could, she studied to be a nurse, her goal and mission was to help others. She’s always supported people in need and I remember going after school to the centre where she cooked and helped with assisted living for special needs young adults. Merle worked in a nursing care home and later on in life, became a cleaner and supported elderly people in her religious congregation.

Merle met our father in the 1970s in Windsor where the Windsor Girls pupils and Windsor boys pupils used to hang out in the park after school, which kicked off the beginning of our huge family.

As a carer and nurturer, the other passion of Merle was her garden and she won the Berkshire and Bloom Award for Garden of the Year, 17 years a row! Her ashes will be scattered in the garden with a plaque in memoriam.

A proud mother and gardener, her legacy precedes her and lives on in us. Strong, determined, tenacious and with a sharp sense of humour until the end, the doctors and nurses said her beautiful family are a testament to her strength.

Rather than flowers or cards or physical gifts, the support we need is help with personal costs and funeral expenses during this time.

Thank you again for your well wishes.