Ms Janet Sheldrake
A WOMAN, who was drawn back to her native Island by her love of the sea and the environment here, has died at the age of 65.
Janet Ann Sheldrake, of School Street, Ryde, was a former pupil of Ryde Secondary Modern School.
In earlier life she was a very keen sportswoman, excelling at running and javelin and representing her school in Island sports events. She was also member of school netball and rounders teams.
On leaving school, she worked at the Ryde photographic development laboratory, Reflex, before going on to work for Lightbown’s stationer in the town’s Union Street.
There she trained as a book-binder and met her future husband, Anthony Thorpe.
Going on to live in Havenstreet, Ryde and Binstead, the couple had three children, Jason, Emma and Louise.
Years later, she had two further children, Laura and Stephen, from a second relationship.
For a few years she left the Island to live in Crawley and then Waterlooville before returning to the Island with Laura and Stephen.
She loved the sea and all things to do with nature, enjoyed walking and simply being outdoors until ill-health restricted her ability to do many of the things she enjoyed.
She loved cats, gardening and flowers, particularly carnations.
Her family said she was known for her warmth, wicked sense of humour, her roast dinners and brightly coloured tops — and as part of that people were welcome to wear cheerful, bright colours to the funeral service.
Ms Sheldrake, who died at St Mary’s Hospital on January 6, leaves five children and nine grandchildren.
The funeral service was taking place today (Friday) at 11.15am at the Island Crematorium. Donations to St. Mary’s Hospital Stroke Unit welcomed in lieu of flowers.
• Family announcements are at http://www.iwcp.co.uk/search/familyannouncements.aspx This week's announcements will be online by 4pm today (Friday)