Wendy Hall

Wendy's story

Wendy Catherine Hall of Otley passed away in hospital on Friday, 10th April 2020 aged 77. Beloved wife of the late Robert Hall, adored mother of Timothy, Sharon and Lisa. Loving Nan and Great Nan, Sister and Aunt. Wendy was born on 6th October 1942 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire to the late George and Marion Ryan. Wendy met Robert (Bob) her late husband and was married at Otley Parish Church on 17th March 1962. Wendy was always family orientated and loved nothing more than looking after her family, making sure they had everything that they could ever wish for. Even though money was tight at times Wendy would just get the crocheting hook out and would crochet clothes for her two daughters, the lime green hot pants are still talked about to this day! Wendy had a caring nature and whilst working as a health care worker at an elderly care home in Otley, she made many a friend with both staff and residents alike, she was well liked and loved by everyone here. Wendy had a great sense of humour, she enjoyed a glass or two of red wine, her favourite tipple, although she was also partial to the odd Baileys, Whiskey and Gin!! Those that knew Wendy would know she was very meticulous and nothing short of what she wanted would do, she was very black and white and she wasn’t afraid to let you know if you had done something that she didn’t approve of. Wendy had a love for Neo and Ladro figurines and collected many throughout her life. She would always come home from a holiday in Spain with at least one, this was one of her holiday highlights. In later life both Bob and Wendy went on to become proprietors of Bondgate Fisheries in Otley, both enjoyed their time in the fish shop, which was renowned in Otley and surrounding areas for the amazing fish, chips and meat savouries, customers would travel miles to pick up their fish tea. Due to Bob’s ill health they both finally retired to the seaside town of Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire. They both enjoyed a few lovely years here, loving and living life to the full, taking lovely walks along the coastline and really enjoyed a slower pace of life. Sadly, Bob was taken ill again and spent a considerable amount of time in hospital in Leeds, it was at this point that they both decided that they wanted to be closer to family and moved back to Otley in 2000. Having enjoyed their beach life, they purchased a static caravan in Hornsea and spent weeks there at a time, spending time on Mappleton beach. They both loved going to the caravan, it was their second home and their family loved just pitching up for a free holiday! Sadly Bob passed away on 27th October 2006 leaving Wendy on her own. Her whole life changed and she missed him dearly. Eventually, Wendy started to go out for lunch on a Friday with friends to the Rose & Crown in Otley and this soon became her weekly treat. Wendy was always there if her family wanted or needed anything, even if it was a glass of wine or a shoulder to cry on, she loved unconditionally. Wendy loved animals and throughout her life had several dogs. This included Tess a rescue Collie dog who came to stay just for the weekend and then the bond between them was cemented so Tess had found her forever home and Rosy & Jim two cockatiels, who also came into her life after Bob passed away to keep her company. Wendy loved gardening and took tremendous pride in her garden. She loved spending time outside planting up her pots and weeding the flower beds. She grew her own tomatoes in the greenhouse, runner beans and rhubarb in the garden, she also loved watching and tending to the fish in the pond. In July 2018 Wendy suffered a fall at home and was admitted to hospital, she was diagnosed with an unstable fracture of her neck, this led to a major operation and over a year in hospital. Whilst she was recuperating, Wendy spent the last 12 months in a nursing home in Pudsey and due to her fall never made it back home to Otley to independent living. The family were devastated when Wendy was taken ill on 6th April 2020 with suspected COVID-19, she was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary but sadly she lost her fight against the virus on Friday, 10th April 2020. Wendy has supported many charities throughout her life, whether through making cards, Christmas tag, donating clothing to charity, sponsoring family members and now even in death she has supported four of her favourite charities through leaving a donation in her Will. Wendy would be really honoured to have any donations go to The Children's Air Ambulance in her memory, leaving a lasting legacy of helping to "keep hope alive" for others. Never Ending Love x x

Remembered by Sharon Evans, Daughter