Elderly woman's obituary shows a lighter side to grief

Jean Hedley approached her death with a positive attitude; instead of being sombre about leaving the earth, she chose to focus on the fact that she would finally be with her beloved husband Ted, who passed away 25 years ago. 

In the North East England newspaper The Northern Echo, Hedley's family posted a message which read:

"Jean Would like to say to all her loving family and friends that she has finally… POPPED HER CLOGS.. and gone to be with Ted, her loving late husband who she has missed terribly for 25 years. Don't be sad, she was ready, it was time to go.. There are to be no flowers, no tears, no sad poems or hymns. Only smiles, happy memories and pretty colours at her send off in Durham Crematorium on Wednesday, November 7 at 1.00pm. Your love, support and kindness have been wonderful and I'll miss you all. God bless, Jean xx Donations may be made in lieu of flowers directly to Dean Bank and Ferryhill Literary Institute. [sic]"

Hedley's use of the phrase "popped [one's] clogs" is indicative of the sense of humour and joyfulness with which she lived her life. It is a saying which dates back to the 19th century when to "pop" an item was to pawn it; typically clogs and other personal belongings would be pawned after the owner's death. 

Hedley wanted to know that even though she's pegged out, she has no regrets. She lived a full life before her number was called. Fellow residents of Ferryhill, County Durham remembered Hedley fondly and echoed her sentiments of a wonderful reunion with her husband. 

What do you think of leaving behind a humorous obituary?

Image: Bradford Telegraph and Argus