IT WAS standing room only at St Andrew’s Church in Droitwich as councillors, residents and representatives from community organisations bid a fond farewell to former Droitwich Mayor Glenise Noyes.
The coffin was carried along Droitwich High Street to the church where a service was held to give thanks for Glenise’s life.
The church was packed with almost everyone there either wearing something bright or something butterfly related – Glenise had a love of butterflies and was known by some as ‘the butterfly lady’. Among the mourners were members of Droitwich’s Young Firefighters Association which Glenise had supported ever since she was mayor.
The coffin entered the church to The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, before there was a welcome to everyone.
Among the hymns selected were O Lord My God, I Vow to Thee My Country and Jerusalem and there were also three poems.
One of them, an anonymous verse called ‘Don’t Quit’ was found in Glenise’s handbag. The piece, which she had carried with her since 1992, epitomised her tenacity to get things done.
Another had the words: ‘Don’t Look for her for she has gone, Look for her where butterflies fly free’.
During the Eulogy part of the service, tributes were paid by husband Tom, who was also a district and town councillor and former mayor, her son Joe, her brother Brian, who had flown all the way from Canada to be there and fellow councillor Laurie Evans.
Coun Evans said: “It was a tremendous turn-out and a very moving service which reflected how popular Glenise was.
“It was right that we reflected on her political interest and career which was extensive.
“The town was really important to Glenise and all of her efforts were geared towards the betterment of Droitwich and its people.”
Her husband Tom thanked everyone who went along and said: “Because Glenise was taken so quickly, that’s how people will remember her – one day she was bright and bubbly and the next day she was gone.
“It was a very memorable service – it was great to see so many people there from so many different walks of life.
“Funerals always used to be dark and dull, but this was bright and colourful – just like Glenise was.
“It was a real celebration and thanksgiving for her life and she would have been so proud.”
Following the service, the committal, prayers and blessing took place at Worcester Crematorium and then there were light refreshments at the Chateau Impney afterwards.
Glenise had been a Wychavon District Councillor since 2011 and a Droitwich Town Councillor since 1999. She was Droitwich Spa Mayor between 2008 and 2009.
