THE FORMER owner of Geraldine’s sweet shop in East Cowes, Sandie Turner, who only retired from running the business in April, has died following a short illness.
Mrs Turner, 65, of Horsebridge Hill, Newport, was born in the town in 1951 and was educated at Priory Girls School.
When she left, she became an apprentice hairdresser and, when qualified, took over a hairdressing business in East Cowes.
During this time, her father, Bob, had moved to the United States and she decided to follow him there where she lived for three years before returning to the Island.
She then worked at Powys House, also taking on a part-time job at Geraldine’s for the then owners, Doris and Jean Parsons.
After their retirement in 1999, she took over the shop where she remained until her own retirement this year.
She married her husband, Colin, in Zel am Zee, Austria, on September 18, 2003.
She was an avid animal lover and during her years at the shop, raised money for many charities, including Friends of the Animals and Ability Dogs 4 Young People.
It was her wish that special thanks were given to her cousin, Allyson, and friend, Angie, who worked and supported her for many years in the shop as well as all of her customers, friends and reps who loyally supported her and Colin over the years.
She leaves her husband.
Her funeral will be held at the IW Crematorium on Thursday.