Friends and Family,

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a wonderful woman, Pamela Covelli, our Mum and a loving wife. Also affectionately known as Mama Gootts, Ma, Big Fraction, Babe, Mam, Passionate Pam, Pasha, Pammie and Pam to name a few.

Mum was the second of seven siblings. Her gorgeous hair, olive skin, enormous brown eyes, and infectious smile made her stand out. Many thought she was actually Italian even though she was born in Hull. Yet it was her inner beauty that radiated with such a glow that she left a mark on everyone she encountered. She was truly stunning in every way.

She played many roles throughout her life; she was a devoted wife, mum and nanny, a cherished sister, a favourite "auntie," a daughter and a dear friend. So much of who we are as her children and grandchildren is a mirror reflection of our Mum.

If she loved her children, she absolutely adored her husband, our Dad. He was the truly abiding centre and great passion of our Mum's life, as she was his, and knowing that they were coming up to their fortieth anniversary only just barely gives you a glimpse at the strength of their love.

Pam was a person that everyone loved. She had many, many friends, which isn't really surprising because she was one of those rare human beings who understood that the true pleasure in life comes from the giving of one.s-self ....and that is what Pam did best. If anybody was in need... she was always the first to offer help.... she was truly a giving person.

If life were to be compared to a still pool of water, our Mum made a big splash. The hearts and minds of those she touched, and they are many, continue to ripple with her love, her wisdom and her humour.

She was amazingly kind to everyone. She taught us never, ever under any circumstances to be mean to anyone or make-fun of anyone.

She had unrelentless perseverance, strength, bravery and an ability to forge ahead regardless of what life dealt her. She faced many obstacles through her life. She never went around an obstacle; she went right over them maintaining her dignity and pride throughout. With her openness to people, indeed as part of it, came a quiet courage.

Our Mum's devotion to her children was truly extraordinary. We always absolutely, unequivocally came first. She always put our needs ahead of her own. If we needed a new pair of shoes and the car needed new tires, we got the shoes. We were well cared for and loved. We were told we could do anything with our lives as long as we were happy.

Our Mum was the quintessential Nanny. She drew such delight from her four grandchildren. Whether it was playing Uno, Buzz or joining in at their birthday parties. Her spirit lives on in each of her grandchildren. Her influence is eternal.

She achieved her ultimate objective . raising a happy and loving family . this has been a blessing and a gift.

Here are a few humorous thoughts of Pam:

. She loved to dance and listening to loud music especially when she did her housework, part dancing part cleaning.

. When she was not pleased with something, you knew, a bar of soap in your mouth, the wooden spoon, .wait till your father gets home., and worst of all, Mum coming to find you in her head scarf.

. Her homemade pasta sauce, was the best, her Italian friends were very proud.

. Her roast dinners and homemade gravy, it was so good we all used to lick our plates.

. She always was willing to try any food, even Thai.

. Mum was passionate about her plants, she became a familiar face in garden centres.

. Mum absolutely adored Christmas as she was a big kid at heart herself.

. Nail varnish, her nails were never without it.

. Best house for BBQs, Mum always prepared enough food to feed an army. Everyone was welcomed with open arms.

. Love of holidays, the sea, Mum loved to swim. The sun, it warmed her up, and the culture, she loved to explore.

. Mum's love of a room make over, she was the Linda Barker of Aldershot.

The dignity and grace by which our Mum sailed through life has left a wake of beauty across the many hearts she touched. Knowing our Mum, she's probably already in the midst of planning her "arrival" party and cooking up a pasta sauce for all those Angels! May she rest in peace yet enjoy every minute of the wonders of eternal life. We love you, miss you, and look forward to seeing you again.

It is not the length of life, but the breadth of life... in which we count our days on earth... not how long, but how fully. Pam's life was a special life... a precious family... good friends. She was a unique person, and our world will be a poorer place without her.

We have all learned so much from Pam. She will live eternally inside our hearts. Replace your grief with wondrous happy thoughts and memories of Pam; goodness knows she wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

The task of summing up Pam's life is finally achieved with an epitaph that reads, "Loved and admired wife, Mum, nanny and friend. A true teacher and an inspiration to many."