Josephine Margaret Cannon was born in Lytham St Annes on 20th March, 1947, and died at home following a short illness and diagnosis of a brain tumour on Tuesday, 10th October.
The youngest daughter of Joseph and Mary Bainbridge — also known as Joss and Polly — she married husband John in 1967 at Clifton Church and they were happily married for 57 years.
She was a devoted mother to Martyn and Tracey and a loving granny to Ellen, Jack and Grace. She was also a special lady to Martyn’s partner Vivian and her boys.
Sister to the late Allan, John, and the late June, she lived at Ivy Cottage, in Melkinthorpe, before moving into a new council house at Clifton Dykes.
Josie attended Shap school or Shap Academy, as she liked to call it, where she made lifelong friends.
Tragedy struck the family when Josie was only eight when her mother died following a road traffic accident.
This resulted in huge changes for the family, with a succession of housekeepers involved, until June got permission to leave school early to look after the family. When June left home after getting married, Josie took over this responsibility and cared for her dad until he died, aged 79.
Josie lived at Traemar, Brampton, for 50 years and loved village life. She was respected in the community for all her unseen work, she was a friend and “mum” to many, and someone who always stepped up to offer support wherever needed.
She strongly believed in togetherness and community spirit. It is said that every parish needs a shepherd and many considered Josie to have been the shepherd of her parish.
Josie was always a hard worker and would turn her hand to anything to help earn a living. As a director of Cannon Hire, she made sure everyone was fed and watered and had what they needed to do their job. Her final journey took her to the yard, where the cannons were fired as a tribute to her lifetime of hard work.
Thanks were expressed by the family to Glynn Jones Funeral directors for their professional and caring service.
Without a doubt, her main purpose in life was always that of supporter, home-maker and carer — something she never faltered in and for which her family will be eternally grateful. Friends and villagers also knew her as the master baker.
A churchwarden for 18 years, her faith was very important to her. She raised funds with bric-a-brac stalls during fair week, baked, flower arranged, read at services, painted church railings and weeded paths, as well as having written sketches and performed at the harvest festival.
The sketches were the local version of Britain’s Got Talent and were looked forward to and enjoyed by the local community.
Josie enjoyed many holidays, both at home and abroad, having travelled to America, South Africa, Hong Kong, Madeira, Portugal, Dubai and Ireland.
She attended a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of John’s service on the parish council.
“Josie’s carers have been a godsend and excellent support to the family, she made some wonderful new friendships and continued to keep her sense of humour because she loved their company,” said her family.
“A special thank you is also extended to the many friends and family who have sent food parcels and provided emotional support.”
Josie planned her own thanksgiving service, which was held at St Margaret and St James’ Church, Long Marton, on Saturday and attended by over 350 friends and family.
She made sure she had everything in place ready for the day, having met the florist, choir, vicar, bearers and minister. She even personally rang the man with the spade.
Bearers were picked for the important roles they had played in her life — neighbours Rodney and Raymond Tinkler, godson Ian Ridley, family friend John Raine, and nephews Stephen and Mark Hodgson. A special thank you went to Ghyll Barn for providing the location for the funeral tea and to Kathleen and her team at Applegarth Food for the delicious refreshments.
Unable to attend services in person during her illness, she continued to receive holy communion at home and was visited by many past and present clergy, which was a great comfort to her.
Thanks went to Andrew Burrell for conducting the funeral service, the churchwardens for helping to ensure everything went smoothly despite power cuts and gale force winds, and the fellside choir who sang beautifully.
“She was extremely brave about her diagnosis and she was not afraid to die. She was just sorry to be leaving so many lovely friends and family behind.
“She never wanted to be great or grand, she just wanted to lend a helping hand,” said her family.
If desired, donations in memory of Josie will be divided between St Margaret and St James’ Church and the Sick Children Trust and may be sent c/o Glynn Jones Funeral Directors, 12 Battlebarrow, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6XS. A remembrance service for Josie will be held at St Margaret and St James’ Church, Long Marton, on Sunday, 19th November, at 2pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
