Ann (nee Lash) was born in Bromley Kent and grew up in Chislehurst. She met her husband John Alwyne Ralph while at school in Chislehurst, where she noticed him in the church choir! She was 15 and he was 17 when they met, they went to different schools, but had a group of life-long close friends from both schools.
After school she worked in the War Office, married John in 1951 and shortly thereafter began a life of travel and adventure with the RAF. Janine and Jeremy were born early in the marriage. We stayed connected with family still in Kent for Christmas and Easter gatherings. We travelled to them – or they joined us in a variety of places. Joanne was born in Cyprus, while John was on tour with the RAF and Daniel was born in Waddington 5 years later, once they returned to the UK.
Ann and John settled in Ickenham once John was based at West Drayton. Ann became very involved in the Ickenham community and St. Giles Church.
Ann had a passion for music and literature, as well as children, her family and, the people in her community. She loved to read stories with children and share her music – which we have all carried on in our various different ways. Even the grandchildren benefited from the piano in the home. Ann was always there for her family when they needed her. She had a great sense of humour and was very patient.
Ann also led a very busy independent life. She joined choirs, was an accomplished piano teacher, was a guider – even after her own children had grown up. She was a member and a co-ordinator for the local Mother’s Union, a bereavement visitor and was in the Trefoil Guild. She often ended up running a lot of the groups she joined.
With four children (as adults) spread from Canada, through England to Switzerland and Australia, Ann continued her love of travel and exploring and would visit her children, initially with John, and then on her own.
Ann conquered using a laptop and an iPad to stay in touch with virtual meetings and chats. This was a true benefit during the last year and a half of isolation and brought all four children, and their families, together to join their mother/grandmother for Sunday get-togethers across time zones.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate and remember our mother and, especially for all the love and support you have shared. She will be greatly missed, never forgotten, but she is at peace now.
With much love
Janine, Jeremy, Joanne and Daniel
Spouses: Keith, Melanie, Peter and Charlie
Grandchildren: Luke, Natasha and William, Kirill, Matilda and Felix
We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of Ann Ralph
Funeral
Date: 21/09/2021Additional Info:
Ann's funeral service will be streamed live from this memorial website on Tuesday 21st September at 11.00 AM. Simply click on the invitation that will appear above at least 24 hours before the appointed time. A recording of the service will be available afterwards and can be accessed in the same way.
Additional Info:
St Giles is a very pretty but quite small church. Please be aware that CV19 safe distancing rules will apply inline with safety guidelines.
Gift Ideas:
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to: St Giles Church
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/a4909528-0091-4472-854f-a247b42ee45d
For those unable to donate online please donate by cheque or cash via the Funeral Director Sherry & Sons, 4 Long Lane, Ickenham, Middx, UB10 8TB. Cheques payable to "The PCC of St Giles' Church."
Alternatively, a charity close to Ann's heart was McMillan Cancer Support which can be accessed via the Just Giving link below or at: www.macmillan.org.uk equally phone 0300 1000 200 Or make cheques payable to Macmillan Cancer Support, POBox 791, York House, York, Y01ONJ
Myself and my family will always treasure the amazing memories and be grateful we had a chance to be part of her life and incredible spirit. Mrs Ralph, a beautiful soul, left me with the loveliest childhood memories…from brownies, to story-telling, singing, staying at her home, her love for tea-time treats, and introducing me to marmalade!! Her laugh was infectious, her eyes always twinkling, I will miss her. She has left endless memories and love with us all. May her family find comfort in these memories and our prayers. Love Janine, Calum, Eric, Desiree, Mary, Fiona, Susan xx
Anne was a valued member of Uxbridge Choral and she was greatly missed when she had to give it up due to failing eyesight. Anne always had time for a chat on the phone and in person. She will be greatly missed by all
The thing I remember most about Ann was her kind, calm manner and her beautiful warm speaking voice. She was a valued and dedicated member of Uxbridge Choral Society and was very much missed when she gave up choir a few years ago.
As we all aged, Ann’s summer visits to our Suffolk home always gave us confidence and energy to go out and enjoy simple pleasures in a way we never quite did without her. Thank you for ever, Ann.
I shall always remember Ann as a ‘true and faithful soldier of Christ’
Auntie Ann and Uncle Alwyne were always there with a loving welcome and a good meal. I treasured the times I had with them, even if they were few and far between. Ann was such a positive influence in my life and I valued her love and acceptance. Remembering with love xxx
I have very happy memories of coming to the Ralph household in the early 1980s to teach Daniel the piano. Ann was a very kind and generous lady. My mother, Val, often mentioned her during her later years. RIP Ann. x
It was lovely to have known Ann. Her friendship and kindness to our mother Gladys made a great difference to her life, particularly in later years. My sister Judith and I really enjoyed our visits to Ann and are sad that Covid restrictions put an end to them. She will be much missed by all who knew her.
Ann was a very kindly person who helped me settle into the Altos section of the Uxbridge Choral Society about ten years ago. I shall miss her friendly face and companionship. God bless her.
It was a pleasure to have known her, her kindness and generosity knew no bounds.