BCSS Macclesfield & East Cheshire Branch

Newsletter September 2005 - Shirley Brennan - Obituary

In June the branch was shocked to learn of the death of one of its most loyal and longstanding members, namely Shirley Brennan. She joined the society in the seventies and over the years contributed much to our local group. She was an active committee member, entered our shows, supported the "Plant of the Month", organised and gave prizes for the raffle and latterly reviewed books and articles for the Newsletter. For some years ill health made he life far from easy but she continued to maintain her collection and take pleasure in her plants. Until very recently she rarely missed a meeting and never dwelt on her infirmity. She was always cheerful and "feeling not so bad" was her reply to enquiries of how she was that evening. To the end I never heard her complain about anything. Whenever we were together I always felt very humble. Shirley had just completed her two year term as our first Honorary President in recognition of her long service to the branch. It was my husband, Norman, who first welcomed Shirley to the then NCSS Macclesfield Branch. I think the words he often used, with affection, when talking about her to others sum up this very special person. He would say of her "Shirley is the salt of the earth". The branch will miss Shirley from its midst and I shall miss someone I am proud to have known as a very dear friend.

Sybil Wilbraham