We were so sad and sorry to have had the news that your amazing and much loved Mother is no longer with us.  The Waterworths’ were very much part of your lives and we have so many happy memories of our times together in schools, and in the your home in Heron Way.  Mainly funny and always full of happy events
And of course central to all of this was Stella!
When you youngsters had all grown and made your way in life Stella and I kept up with each other to talk  about you all with, pride obviously.
At some point we got involved with rescuing as many old people as possible from boring day centres in Hatfield . Friendship House was where Stella served as the most sensible and highly respected Committee Member. She didn’t really like Committees much, especially when local councillors muscled in on the action for their own glory . No names mentioned!
She was happy in the kitchen organising sensible portions, diets, creative menus.  And from a falling attendance role numbers shot up, so much so a new bus had to be ordered through Help the Aged, launched by the nameless councillors naturally.
The hours Stella spent there were absolutely remarkable as she not only engaged with the food side of things but brought in  all sorts of ideas for handicrafts and games.  From being a lack lustre boring Centre Stella brought it alive through her  initiatives.  They even copied, for once,  what was happening in Friendship House to a new OAP centre in Welwyn Garden City.  I can remember her saying - Hatfield first for a change'

Then they decided to build a new centre at Downs Farm - multi purpose but with a focus on provision for the elderly called the Macdonald Centre. Stella was head hunted and asked to galvanise the OAP side of things . So that's where she went and was joined by her local friends. Because Stella believed inf fairness and equality, and because she was still loyal to Friendship House we shared ideas and resources like buses, outings, bringing harmony where division might have existed, and absolutely no personal glory.

So here's to you Stella. The most wonderful compassionate, non judgemental person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. 

Margaret W.