The obituary notice of Maureen Blanche LEATHERLAND (Bracken)

Maureen we had such lovely holiday's with you always laughing and of course drinking .jean and pete

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Maureen who I have known since about 1961. I was introduced to Maureen and her husband Chick by Maureen’s sister Jill, and they were both welcoming and friendly to me from day one .
Chick was interested in the Arts and introduced me to the novels of Emile Zola and J.D.Salinger. He was also interested in a form of music which was completely unknown to me, Modern Jazz, and with his encouragement I went to Leicester to hear The Modern Jazz Quartet where they played their famous piece, ‘Bags Groove’.
Perhaps, even more important than this cultural knowledge, Chick taught me how to drive. He had just passed his test and put me through my paces as rigorously as his instructor had him, and I passed first time, obviously. He was also extremely competitive and delighted in thrashing me at tennis on Sunday mornings.
After Chick’s too early death, my friendship with Maureen continued. Although I lived in Sheffield, I would visit her as often as I could and she allowed me to park my car on her drive if I was going to see the Sky Blues. For the last ten years or more, since I have become a member of the Coventry City Diamond Club, my wife June and I have always called in to see her after a Diamond Club lunch. She has always made us most welcome with a large pot of tea.
Maureen had a wonderful sense of humour, well, she laughed at my jokes and never complained about her ailments. She was one of those, rare true friends who, even if you haven’t seen them for a while, welcome you as if you last saw them yesterday. Even in the nursing home she remained upbeat and cheerful when we visited.
Maureen was my oldest, and oldest, friend and I loved her dearly . I cannot express in words how much I will miss her.
Barry Nicholls.

Maureen, you were such a lovely lovely lady, you let me into your home and heart and i am eternally thankful. You listened and advised me with my problems, and told me so many times to stop over thinking. We laughed so much at thing's that we really shouldn't have. You always asked about my family, what I'd done in my own time. It sounds nothing, but meant so much to me. I hope i brought as much love to you as you did for me. We laughed, so much, so often. I am so sad, but also that you are now at peace. I think of you always, and miss you so much. Sleeptight & don't let those bed bugs bite. Forever in my heart, and with love to your family. Linda and family

Lovely lady who will be dearly missed.
A smile that would brighten up the darkest of rooms, and a laugh that would liven up anyone who heard it.
R.I.P Maureen you will always be spoke of fondly xsx