This Tribute is supporting the Alzheimer's Society, having cruelly watched our beloved Nanny/Mum deteriorate over the years. Facing the emotional roller coaster of losing a loved one to dementia is something you are never ready to face. The reality that your loved one is slipping away mentally, day by day, is cruel and heart wrenching to have to watch. You grieve while they are still here, and then grieve them all over again when they're gone. My Nanny as we knew her had left us years ago. She was confused all the time, getting angry and frustrated at the simplest of tasks. She would forget that loved ones, such as her parents had already passed and ask me if I'd seen her Mum or Dad. She'd forget precious memories we had together. She couldn't recall our birthdays and what I personally found the hardest is Nan couldn't remember my Daughter, her first Great Grandchild. In the later stages she would sleep for hours on end and forget to eat and drink, going days without a single bite. Her body eventually gave up and she became bed bound, relying on family to do the most demeaning of task. She was such a strong-willed, proud and fiercely independent woman. To be taken over by such a debilitating illness, deteriorating in front of us has been heartbreaking to watch. In memory, and to celebrate the life of such a special lady we are fundraising for the Alzheimer's Socitey who campaign for change, fund research for a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Add an event or occasion to Joan's Tribute.

Light a candle for Joan and leave a message. You can choose from a variety of candles & colours. Your candle will appear in the candles gallery

Choose a virtual gift to add to Joan's gifts gallery. There are lots of different gifts to choose from and you can add a message to display with your gift.

Contribute to Joan's lifestory and add a memory or anecdote. You can also upload pictures, videos and music to accompany your story.

Send a thought to Joan's thoughts gallery

Add your pictures to the pictures gallery

Add your videos to the video gallery

Add music to the music gallery