Beryl Starkey 1935 – 2020
Beryl Starkey
1st December 1935 – 20th July 2020
Beryl moved to Evington in the 1960s with her late husband, Arthur and her two young sons Adrian and Paul. She led a full and active life and has been remembered by her friends and family for the strength of her character, principles, work ethic and fierce loyalty. Throughout her life she lived by the mottos: “If a jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing well” and “There’s no such word as can’t”.
Her sons Adrian and Paul remember her working tirelessly in the office at the back of the family house on Marydene Drive. “Her determination and drive were astounding – be it making a fitted kitchen from scratch; planting and tending to ever more decorative flower beds; or in more recent years, making amazing works of art in cross-stitch. She put in thousands of hours of love and attention to detail. Her stamp collection was equally outstanding”.
Beryl was a secretary to Mike Howitt. Mike remembers that in October 1966, a neighbour recommended Beryl, whom she thought would be interested in some typing work. “I first called on her when she lived in Victoria Avenue, London Road, above what is now Six Degrees Coffee House. Beryl typed at an amazing speed with excellent layout skills, together with 100% proof-reading. She always arrived at the office, now in Evington, never a second early or late. Without her input and support, the business with which she helped would never have flourished.”
Beryl worked as a volunteer typist on the Evington Echo from ….. to …… and also coordinated the events page. Her dedication and skills were much appreciated.
Lorraine Crane remembers Beryl as a dear friend, very interested in other people rather than herself. “Her lovely cards at Easter and Christmas, with a carefully wrapped present, were such a treasure. She always joked about me being a ‘domestic executive’ and was such good fun. Every room was lit up by her presence. We spent hours on the telephone when she would thank me for the regular cleaning activities. I really do miss her, and life won’t be the same.”
Her friend, Enid King knew Beryl for over 50 years since they first met outside the Whitehall School gates when collecting their children. “Over the years we enjoyed the Little Theatre. More recently, we visited many restaurants throughout the Leicestershire countryside. Beryl always did a well written evaluation with an appropriate score! She was a true and loyal friend, remembered with great affection.”
Given the Devon heritage of her father, Beryl was always keen to visit Aunt Daisy and Uncle Walter in Malborough near Salcombe, when on holiday in the UK.
Beryl had a spirit of adventure, and in 1991 had no hesitation in flying solo to Hong Kong to join her youngest son and involved herself enthusiastically in life on the island. For her 65th birthday she willingly went up in a hot air balloon and photographic evidence also exists of her parascending off the coast during one of her Mediterranean adventures!
In recent years Beryl was a committed and supportive grandmother to Ella, Roisin, Joe, Mollie, and Siobhan. Whenever possible she would visit her family in Surbiton and Marlow and was still able to drive herself down, even up to the Christmas before her passing.
Beryl died peacefully at home with both of her sons by her side. Many who attended the celebration of her life on 31st July said that “it had been a privilege to be her friend”. Beryl was determined to the last and she leaves behind a family who are indebted to a life so well lived.
Adrian and Paul Starkey supported by Mike Howitt.
