Pictured here celebrating her 75th birthday

13th September 1931 - 25th December 2011

Helen's son, John (known to us all as JJ) writes:

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that my Mum, Helen Jocys, died today, Sunday 25th December, aged 80. Mum was a singer of traditional songs and played melodeon and accordion.

It was her energy that gave Bollin Morris the kick in the pants that brought it back to life and helped make it the successful side it is today.

Mum was the founder of The Marmalade Band, a group of ladies who would gather at her house on Saturday mornings to sing and play and eat breakfast of toast and marmalade.

Her energetic and enthusiastic support of worthy causes often got into the financial mire but that didn't stop her.

Mum was always looking for fun and any chance to sing or play in a session. A couple of years ago at Shrewsbury Folk Festival she woke me up beyond midnight after a particularly heavy day of sessioning. Mum had heard a music session kicking off and wanted us to join in. It was well past 4am when we eventually gave up.

Ever the one to go against convention, the term 'grow old disgracefully' could have been written for her.

Above all, Mum was mother to six - all who will miss her terribly.

Christmas Day will never be the same in our family.

John

Funeral arrangements:

Thursday 5th January at 2.30pm

Altrincham Crematorium
(click for map)

Whitehouse Lane
Dunham Massey
Altrincham
WA14 5RH

Come as you are - it's what Helen would have wanted.

Afterwards (for a laugh, cry, sing, play, chat, leap around etc):

Saracen's Head
(click for map)

Paddock Lane
Warburton
Lymm
WA13 9TH