This site is a tribute to Susan Pritchard. Beloved Wife of Derek, much loved Mum of Anna, Mother in Law of Andrew and special Nanny of Lily and Dylan. Sue will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. 

The late Susan Pritchard

The death of Susan Pritchard aged 71 years of Rockfield, Monmouth occurred at home on 21^st February 2025.

The funeral service took place on Tuesday 25^th March at St Thomas Church, Overmonnow with the Reverend Tim Dack officiating. Processional music was “The way we were” by Barbra Streisand, the organist Mr Robert Jones accompanied the hymns “All things bright and beautiful” and “Guide me O thou great redeemer”, music during time of Reflection was “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac. The tribute was read by Mr Ken Wilkes, and the poem “When great trees fall” by Maya Angelou was read by Lily Ward (grand daughter).

The tribute read:-

We gather here today to celebrate the life of a truly wonderful woman, Sue Pritchard. Born on the 3rd of February, 1954, at The Forge in Monmouth, Sue was the third of nine children to Hetty and Glyn Christopher.She grew up surrounded by the love and chaos of a large family, with siblings Janet, David, Tony, Barbara, Glyn, Robert, Pam, and Jane.

As some of her older siblings were beginning to leave home, Hetty and Glyn fostered Julie, and she was instantly considered one of their own. This is testament to the importance of family, compassion and kindness to Hetty and Glyn, values Sue went on to live her life by. The bonds she shared with all of her siblings were unbreakable and remained a source of comfort, laughter, and support throughout her life.

Sue's childhood was filled with warmth and affection, she spent some time during her teenage years living with her beloved Nan and Grancher Jones in Wyesham Avenue. It was here that she developed her love of sewing, knitting, and baking—skills that would bring joy not only to her but to everyone around her. Her Uncle Derek, close in age, was more like a brother to her, and their time together cemented a lifelong connection.

It was in Wyesham that Sue first met the love of her life, Derek. He was just a young man delivering newspapers when fate intervened, and from the age of 15, they became inseparable. Despite the challenges of distance, with Derek catching the bus from the Buckholt and Sue walking from Wyesham to meet him, their love endured.

Their love was tested early on when they were involved in a serious motorcycle accident in 1972. Derek suffered severe injuries, yet their devotion to one another never wavered. Sue walked miles to be by his side, a testament to the loyalty and love that would define their relationship. There was no grand romantic marriage proposal, just an understanding between them that they were meant to be together. They bought a home in Holywell Close, Monmouth and moved in on their wedding day, the 20th of December, 1975. Sue, ever practical, was shopping for dinner while Derek nursed a sore head from the days celebrations.

Their greatest joy came with the birth of their daughter and only child, Anna, on the 21st of February, 1979. Sue was a wonderful mother—kind, patient, and endlessly caring. She delighted in making Anna’s childhood special, often surprising her with treats or days out. A memorable example of this is surprising Anna and her best friend Kate, with Take That concert tickets and embarking on adventures in her Citroën 2CV. Sue was more than just a mother; she was Anna’s closest friend, always there with unwavering support and love.

Sue shared a special bond with her four sisters—Janet, Barbara, Pam, and Jane. They all became mothers around the same time, and their children grew up together as more than just cousins, but as close friends. Their time together was filled with laughter and fun and on occasions when they were all together, they often reminisced about their childhood. The connection between the sisters was one of love and joy, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime.

Throughout her life, Sue worked a variety of jobs, always putting her family first. She cared for children as a playgroup assistant, a dinner lady, and later as a special educational needs classroom assistant. She also worked in shops, including Jarvis Greengrocers, Somerfield and Waitrose. But perhaps her most cherished role was managing the café at Dean Forest Railway with her youngest sister, Jane. The two shared laughter, hard work, and treasured memories.

Sue was overjoyed when in May 2007 Anna married Andrew. She loved every moment of planning the wedding, particularly the excitement of wedding dress shopping. She was warmly welcomed into Andrew’s family, having been a part of their lives since he and Anna were teenagers. She became a cherished member of their family, sharing in milestones, celebrations, and the everyday joys of family life. The picture on the front of the service sheet captures Sue looking at Anna on her wedding day, filled with happiness and pride. It was a moment Sue cherished, a reflection of the deep bond they shared.

Sue had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, earning the affectionate title of 'Auntie Sue', which, in fact, many people outside of the family, who were close to Sue, also adopted. Family was everything to her, and her heart broke when she lost her mum, Hetty, suddenly in 2008. The grief stayed with her, and when her father, Glyn, passed 14 months later, she found solace in the enduring friendships she built at the local Spiritualist church. She expressed her love through baking, often bringing extra welshcakes to the Over 55 Club for her 'favourites,' Dilys and Joan. If you ever received a cake from Sue, you knew you were deeply loved.

Amidst sorrow, there was immense joy with the birth of her grandchildren, Lily in 2009 and Dylan in 2013. Sue was a natural as a Nanny, showering them with love and relishing every moment spent with them. She adored reading with them, baking their favourite treats, and sharing endless cuddles. Her greatest joy was simply being in their presence, watching them grow and celebrating their achievements. Even in the midst of her decade-long battle with illness, the sight of Lily and Dylan would always bring a smile to her face, reminding her of the love and happiness that surrounded her.

Sue passed peacefully at home, with her beloved Derek and Anna by her side, along with her devoted sisters, Barbara, Pam, and Jane. In a poignant and full-circle moment, Sue left this world on Anna’s birthday—the day they first met now marking their final goodbye.

We will always remember Sue for her warmth, her boundless generosity, and the kindness she shared so freely. Her love was a constant force in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. As we say farewell, let us hold onto her memory with the same love and devotion she showed us all.

Rest peacefully, Sue. You will be deeply missed, but your love will remain with us forever.

Following the service Committal took place at The Forest of Dean Crematorium, where music on entry was “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton, a poem Miss me but let me go by Robyn Rancman was read by Mrs Beryl Jones and on exit “Bigger than the whole sky” by Taylor Swift.

Bearers were Kelly Christopher, Matthew Christopher, Stuart Davies and Jeremy Pritchard

Donations in memory of Susan are to benefit Diabetes U.K and these are being received by Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors, Chippenham Funeral Home, Howells Place, Monmouth, NP25 3ED.

(Please make cheques payable to Ernest Heal & Sons Donations Account).

Family Mourners

Derek Pritchard (husband)

Anna & Andrew Ward (daughter & son-in-law) rep Dylan (grandson)

Lily Ward (grand daughter)

Robert & Julie Christopher (brother & sister-in-law)

Tony Christopher (brother)

David Christopher (brother)

Glyn Christopher & Jeanette Binnie (brother & partner)

Barbara & Anthony Humber (sister & brother-in-law) rep Gareth Humber (nephew)

Janet and Steve Tamplin (sister and brother in law)

Pam Wheatley (sister)

Jane and Alan Grant (sister and brother in law)

Jackie Jones (aunt)

Derek Jones (uncle)

David Willett (brother-in-law (rep Carl, nephew)

Matthew Christopher (nephew)

Kelly Christopher (niece)

Georgina Christopher & Bradley Ruck (niece & partner)

Darrell Humber (nephew)

Stacey Delbridge (niece)

Trudy Humber (niece)

Ben Humber (nephew)

Alex Humber (nephew)

Tom Christopher (nephew)

Neil Willett (nephew (rep Gemma Willett (niece)

Simon Brown (nephew (rep Cyril Brown (brother-in-law)

Jeremy Pritchard (nephew)

Clare Jones (niece)

Alice Jones (niece)

Kate Christopher (niece)

Kate Bowers (cousin)

Daniel Grant (nephew)

Sadie Townsend (niece)

David Townsend (nephew)

Lola Townsend (great niece)

Stacia Grant (great niece)

Sandra Tharia (cousin)

Andrew Tharia (cousin)

Julie Rusling (cousin)

Linda Sharkey (cousin)

Leslie & Brenda Christopher (cousin)

Jennifer James (cousin (rep Michael James & family)

Dale Powles (cousin)

Eddie & Mary Christopher (cousin)

Andrew Humber (cousin)

Jane Cooke (cousin)

Philip Pritchard (cousin)

Ian Pritchard (cousin (rep Laura)

Caroline Edwards (cousin)

Carole Ranford (cousin (rep Steve & Kevin (cousins)

Judy Woods (cousin)

Leigh Christopher (cousin)

Peter & Angela Jones (rep Laura (cousins)

Terry Christopher (cousin)

Karen Murphy (rep Gill Robertson & Tracey Meredith (cousins)

Jean Hale (cousin)

Pat Smith (cousin)

Joanne Fox (cousin)

Wendy Powles (cousin (rep David)

Christine & Gerald Bennetto (cousin)

Mike & Denise Edwards (cousin)

Paul Tamplin (nephew)

Stuart Davies (nephew)

Carina Bloomfield

Pauline Nicholas (nee Humber)

Kate Churchill (Anna’ best friend)

Friends at the church

June Pask

Olwyn Parry

Chet Mistry

Wendy Banks (rep Darren)

Rebecca Pask

Philip & Debbie Nugent

Robert & Pauline Hodgson

Nicola Bean

Leslie Whittaker

Laura Mayberry

Jane & Maurice

Judith Morris (rep Doug & Thomas)

Carly Morris

Neil Harris

Susan & Colin Poole

Kate Impey

Martin & Ann McGrady

Barbara Jones

Eve Meredith

David & Lesley George

Sian Ellis

Bill & Fay Sims

Sarah Steadman (derived care)

Viji Mangalassery (derived care)

Beryl Jones

Valerie Murfitt (rep Monmouth Healers)

Lynne Davies

Susan Davies

Philip Holtorn

Diane Lee

Mandy & Graham Lerwill

Linda Peters

Ken Wilkes

Tracey & Mark Bailey

Francine Edwards (rep Stephen)

Katrine Roberts

Chris Morgan

Hugh Roberts (rep Agatha & Sam)

Janet Croft (rep Emma Heathford)

Idris & Margaret Lenard

Emily Heffernan

Nadia Smith

Mick & Sylvia Avery

Bill Leddington

Francis Bamford

Ray Boycott

Rose (rep Stuart & Graham Pearce)

Nick Tyler

Angela Raasch

Gary Hywell-Jones

Liz Wright

Angel Roy (carer)

Karthika Nair (carer)

Leighton Phillips

D.J Williams (Monmouth MOT)

Rob Ward

Apologies

June Roberts (nee Leach)

Floral tribute

Family coffin spray

Funeral arrangements were made by Ernest Heal & Sons Funeral Directors, Chippenham Funeral Home, Howells Place, Monmouth, NP25 3ED.

With apologies for error or omission