A Celebration of Life For
Kirstin Love
1978 – 2026
Pontefract Crematorium
15th May 2026
Conducted by Lynsey Shields
R. J Burgess – Debbie Broome
Processional Music – I Want you back in my life, Alice Deejay.
Welcome and Introduction
Please be seated. Welcome family and friends.
My name is Lynsey, and I am your funeral celebrant, here today to lead us all in the celebration of the life of Kirstin Love on today a poignant day for the family, the wedding anniversary of Tony and Kirstin.
Please ensure phones are switched off or set to silent.
Remembrance
It is at times like these when we also remember those who are no longer with us, especially Kirstin’s late dad Terry. We also spare a thought for those who are unable to travel to be with us today.
We come together today to remember and celebrate the life of Kirstin. The wife and mum. The daughter and sister, the aunt and great aunt and of course the friend to so many.
When we lose someone we love, they are on our minds. A look, a gesture, a piece of music or a sentence from a parrot, will catch us and remind us of who and what we have lost. We all have our own thoughts and beliefs of what happens when we die, but what brings us together today is the knowledge that Kirstin will always be remembered in the unique and personal memories that you created together.
Kirstin’s Early years, Shared by Ann and Joanne
To take us back to where it all began, we will hear from Kirstin’s dear mum Ann and her bestie Joanne. Please come forward.
Ann
On the 25th of May 1978, at 4:30 in the afternoon, Kirstin was born in the front bedroom of our little two up, two down terrace house in Wakefield. Kirstin was our second daughter.
She was a happy baby and a toddler full of mischief who brought sunshine to our lives.
As a toddler, Kirstin loved to stand on her dad’s feet and be walked around on them. Unfortunately, the day after his vasectomy, Kirstin stood between his legs and jumped up. By god the air was blue.
Another time, while living in Wales, her dad was up the ladder outside cleaning her bedroom window. Kirstin was sat on the floor under the window. What did she do? Jumped up and startled him and her dad nearly fell off the ladder.
I could go on forever with Kirstin’s tricks of her life.
When Kirstin was five years old, we moved to North Wales. Kirstin had to learn the Welsh language.
We returned to Wakefield when Kirstin was nine years old.
She started school at St James’ in Crigglestone where she met Joanne, her life long friend and partner in crime. (Joanne says this sentence at the start of hers so maybe this sentence is removed)
Joanne
Me and Kirstin first met at St James’ Junior school in Crigglestone. Kirstin was the new kid in the class and had moved from Wales and could speak Welsh.
Her favourite party trick was not the swear words she knew in Welsh, but she could also say the name of the really long train station in Wales. Kirstin always had a way with words, even if it was in another language.
We grew up together leaving St Jame’s school at 9 and moving to Crigglestone middle school where we would run the cross country. She would find a short cut and would finish before me.
Even up to her last couple of days, Kirstin loved her sweets. Everyday before school we would go to the shop and get a 20p mix up which in them days we picked them ourselves. Kirstin always said she had a 20p mix up in the back but it was more like 50p. She always had cheekiness and quick thinking to get away with it.
We then moved on to Kettlethorpe high school together.
On a weekend we both worked at the Pledwick Well Inn Pub, waitressing and preparing food.
Kirstin also used to work her dinner hour at school and leg it back over the back field to help Sheila with the dinner time rush and then leg it back to school before lessons started. That was Kirstin, always there to help people out.
Kirstin always loved being outside, hated being stuck in. She would say she had cabin fever. Even when we were young playing out, we would have many a good time at Darky Tunnel, an old derelict railway tunnel, having to sprint across the farmers field before her saw us.
Down at the Navigation at the viaduct, we would climb over the pipes over the river, to see who could get the furthest. As you can imagine, it was always Kirstin. She was always more of a dare devil than me.
It even got to the stage that our parents banned us from playing with each other. But even that didn’t keep us apart, we just told them little white lies about where we were going and who with.
We had a brief time where Kirstin moved down south to Horsham and we lost touch as there was no mobile phones and social media then.
Then, one day, I was in Wilkinsons car park and there she was, loading her shopping into the car. She had moved to Normanton with her husband Tony and Sam. The friendship was rekindled like we had never been apart.
Together we navigated adult hood, husbands and parenting. We shared countless holidays, meals out, nights out and family events.
She was my soul sister, my go to. We knew each other inside out. What each others next moves would be.
A piece of me has died with you Kirstin, but I hold onto the memories and the laughter we shared.
You have been an inspiration to so many. You were selfless to the end and I am beyond proud that you are, and always will be my bestie.
Until we meet again,
Kirstin, I love you.
Ann Part two.
When Kirstin was 18, we moved to Horsham, West Sussex where Kirstin began working for Carpetright as an administrator and Sales Person.
We used to go in the local pub where the young men would refer to Kirstin as the lass from Leeds. “No, I’m from Wakefield”, she’d reply.
By god Kirstin was a good pool player. She would wipe the floor with them. They didn’t like playing pool with Kirstin, they knew they were going to loose odds on.
Kirstin learnt to drive in Horsham and passed her driving test in Crawley. Only trouble is she had no hair at the time due to doctors taking her off her iron tablets. The examiner thought Kirstin was dying. She made so many mistakes, but the examiner passed her and told her to, “Go practice a bit more while you can”. How we laughed.
When Kirstin was 21, me and her dad moved to Scarborough, leaving Kirstin in Horsham where she moved into a shared house. Kirstin was a brilliant daughter also my friend, and a friend to many who will sadly miss her. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Kirstin was the most kind hearted, fun loving, genuine person with a good sense of humour that I knew. Although, she had quite a temper as well.
Kirstin had a lot of friends and acquaintances but unfortunately, a lot of enemies because she was always sticking her neck out to make Normanton a better place to live.
She was seriously thinking of putting herself forward to be elected as a local councillor. sadly her dream was shattered before it started. Kirstin was a rare gem not often found in society these days. As an example of her character was when she saw a young girl in farmfoods pinching food and putting it in the pushchair. What did Kirstin do ? she paid for the shopping and gave the girl £10 to buy more. Another example in the supermarket was when an old lady was £2 something short of cash, so Kirstin paid it. The lady responded with “Thanks, I didnt want to break into another £20 note.” That was Kirstin, helping everyone that needed it. Lets hope kirstin met up with her dad at the pearly gates. Rest in peace. Love always from mum. Untill we meet again.
The Legend that was my wife, From Tony.
Thank you Ladies.
To move onto the next chapter of Kirstin’s life, we have some words from her husband Tony which will be read on his behalf.
Tony (Read by Lynsey)
Me and Kirstin met in Horsham at a shared house.
I just saw her as someone really loud and sometimes a bit drunk, but even then she was the heart of the place and was friends with everyone. We started dating, not even sure how it started and our first proper date was to play pool at the local. Apparently she went easy on me, something I did find to be true.
I fell in love with her really easily. Her honesty, openness and intelligence shone. But what changed everything was when she became ill one night and had to be taken into hospital where she stayed for a couple of days.
I went to see her 2 or 3 times and to this day I remember her coming back, coming straight up to me, hugging me and said of all the people I know you were my only visitor and that was when we became a couple. She picked me.
We eventually got a flat in a complex, brought a dog and a chinchilla. Kirstin quickly became friends with literally everyone and attended meetings for residents. All of the owners in the complex wanted her there because no one could raise or argue a point better than Kirstin, even then. She told the residents association exactly what was what and changes came about that hadn’t been sorted in years.
Samuel arrived, born on her dads 50th birthday. It was a scary time but as always she took it in her stride.
I remember he wouldn’t settle one night when she was working late, I had to put one of her t-shirts on and try settle him. It worked instantly. She came home and said, “Oh that’s what you do when I’m working late, wear my clothes”.
When Samuel was still young, we moved to her old stomping ground West Yorkshire.
I think she always intended on going back as her heart was always there. We would holiday there while we lived down south. That is when I met Terry and Ann, her parents. They would often let us stay.
It wasn’t an easy move. Kirstin and I hired a 7 and a half tonne vehicle which she drove from Horsham to West Yorkshire. I learnt a few new words that day.
Kirstin had often told me stories about her and Joanne, her bestie. Telling the things they used to get up to. When we moved up I was able to meet her. She was everything Kirstin had told me about and Joanne told me the same stories of what they used to get up to.
I’m not the most talkative of people but Chris and Joanne were so easy to get along with. This started a few holiday adventures with Chris and Jo for a lot of years after that me and Kirstin often talked about.
I know how much she loved Joanne and how much it was returned.
Pals for ever.
After some time, Joseph came along, and we decided to move to a bigger home.
I loved living in the house we were in, as the neighbours were all so great. She had that ability so that nearly everyone she met instantly liked her, even now I still see and speak to them.
But we moved and made our forever home. Built together with love and a bit of Ikea.
Again Kirstin made friends with everyone on the street and the kids would all play together out front or go off together on their own adventures, “Just like me and Joanne”, Kirstin would say when we heard some of the things they got up to.
Joesph grew and hasn’t really stopped yet, not sure when he will peak.
And that was our norm. Living life, seeing friends and enjoying what we had.
Jacob arrived and we knew our family was complete.
But even then, she wanted to do more and played a big part in the community with her new Normy watch.
Always trying to help various groups and with a deep-rooted desire to help the well project food bank.
When I look at my boys I see something of her in all of them.
Sam the deep thinker who is smart when he chooses to be.
Joe the daring, do anything, lets go on an adventure and Jacob, the intelligent hard working one.
Together they make Kirstin and she was so proud of her boys.
But as much as our boys are the best of her, she is the best of me and I will miss her for as long as I have breath in me.
She loved deeply, when you were in her inner circle she was faithful and compassionate like no one I’ve ever seen.
Her inner light shone and people were attracted to her and her honest personality.
We don’t have neighbours anymore, we have friends in the form of Mark, Jodie and Paul, people we loved spending time with and often do.
The day she told me she was terminal is a day that will live with me forever. We cried, we held and it started a journey everyone here followed. Terminal never tame.
She used this not only to inspire others, but it gave her purpose and focus and of course the outlive the corned beef was also born.
It was a goal and a target. It was something she believed in and so many others did.
Her journey was seen by many and her crazy random life will be remembered just as much as her love.
She always said, “my fight might be someone else’s survival guide”.
During this phase, she took comfort mostly in cream cakes and her happy place, the allotment. Sometimes she combines both of these.
I know she loved being down there and she had many good friends who helped her along the way with her allotment life. It also made for some random gifts from me such as a rotavator and a chain saw, but it was her happy place.
I thank everyone there who made her happy place that little bit more special.
There will never be another like her, but she is now the memory and the voice in my mind to do better.
I love you Kirstin and love how you made me better than I ever should of been.
Our legacy will live on in our boys and the memories we all share.
I decided someone else read my words, not because I don’t want to, but still speaking your name makes me feel the loss over again.
You always said no one can understand me when I talk and I wanted my message understood.
The world we built together is still here in parts. The home we built is still here and I see your face everywhere. You will always be on my camera roll.
Keep a spot open for me wherever you are, I’m sure one day I will see you again.
Until then I promise to do right by our boys and the last promise I made to you. I will always try and maintain contact with India and her children and Joanne. What you said about me and Nicola being here for each other and creating a strong bond is true. Nicola has been my rock. Please don’t argue too much with god, if he says he doesn’t need a new heaven watch, he probably means it. Love you.
Reflection
Thank you Tony for sharing your precious memories.
Family and friends, we will now take a break for a moment to listen to watch a photo montage accompanied with a song, chosen by Kirstin, Viva la Vida by Coldplay.
Photo Montage – Viva la Vida, Coldplay
Memories from friends- Mark and Alison
We will now hear a few memories from friends- Firstly, from mark
Mark
when we think back to the days when neighbours were truly neighbours , Kirstin was the very best of them. We moved next door as a young couple, and for the next eight years we shared a fence, a friendship, and eventually a family bond that went deeper than just living side by side. We borrowed sugar, flour and tea -and in return we received so much more. We shared laughs, tears and countless stories across the garden wall.
Kirstin was there when we got married, and when we brought our 2 beautiful children into the world. From the very beginning, Kirstin treated our kids as her own. She would turn up with nappies,wipes, shampoo, bubble bath – things we hadn’t realized we needed.
She never forgot a birthday or christmas, always with thoughtful presents. And of course, there were the 20p, £1, or £2 bargains she’d text us about- a lovely random roulette of suprises – always followed by her camera in her hand, capturing precious moments we will treasure forever.
She wasn’t just a neighbour. After 8 years of knowing her, Kirstin became part of our family.
If there is one thing we will carry with us from knowing Kirstin, its this. its nice to be nice and costs nothing to help people where you can.
She was the most selfless, generous, and warm hearted person we could ever of wished to of known. Kirstin, thank you for being the kind neighbour, friend, and extra grandma that every family dreams of. You will live in our hearts, in the photos you took, and in the lessons of kindness you taught us all. Rest in peace, dear friend. you will be deeply missed from Mark, Jodie and kids.
And now from Alison
We will remember Kirstin in our own way, but every memory is filled with warmth and laughter, and a little bit of her unmistakable spirit. Some knew her as miss normy watch, others as outspoken and a little bit stubborn, and to some she was Sam’s, Joe’s and Jacobs devoted mum.
Many will smile remembering her as the “crazy dog lady” rescuing and rehoming mistreated puppies. And non of us will forget “the toilet roll fairy” during lockdown. – queuing at farm foods before the school run, then quietly dropping off supplies to anyone who needed them.
In more recent times, she showed incredible honesty and courage, sharing her cancer journey openly on facebook. but that was Kirstin, real, unfiltered, and never afraid to say it as it was.
Words from Lynsey
It is an honour as a celebrant to deliver a celebration of life of any loved one, however it is very much a privilege to lead a ceremony for someone you know.
I first met Kirstin when my family and I became a plot holders at the same allotments as Kirstin. She showed us round, welcomed us with open arms and introduced us to other plot holders too. Her generosity was shared instantly. With providing us suggestions of where to get materials or ideas and tips on what to do or brining us toys for the kids.
On many occasions, if she saw my children there, she would invite them to go to her plot to feed the chickens or to play with the rabbit, something which they both loved. Sometimes she would pop to the shops, and return armed with ice creams for the children, with Rich and I unaware that she had asked them what they would like first.
She gave them the important task of picking dandelions for the rabbits when she was on holiday. A simple and small request, but a task that they both took on and without her realising, it made that afternoon’s time at the plot so much easier as they were occupied.
I will be honest though, that there were some occasions that I would spot Kirstin and hide. When I’ve popped to the park with the dog before the school run, been in the middle of a quick trip to the shop or with a limited time to complete a job at the allotment. I knew that if she saw me and I started talking, my time would dwindle as boy could she talk.
Then of course, there the bargains, sharing where and when she had seen something. I’m sure many of you watched the Ninja pan saga, which on her recommendation, I am one of the probable many who purchased a set too.
Like many of you here too, I have followed the Terminal but never tame posts. Smiled at the random purchases such as the Not Dead Yet Bus or what she called, her best worst decision, Pablo the Parrot. Chuckled at the randomness of her medication induced rants or giving the good, bad and the ugly details of her daily routines.
So many of the posts, both as she wrote them and since she has left us, have resulted in an abundance of comments. The general consensus is of how much of an inspiration she has been.
I will treasure the last conversation I had with Kirstin, as we often did, in the supermarket carpark. During which she told me of the preparations and plans she had made for the future of her family, once again, putting everyone first before herself, just like she always did.
Kirstin honey, We’ll miss you.
Our Mum from Samuel, Joseph and Jacob.
We now hear from the three young men who meant everything to Kirstin.
Insert words from the boys.
Reflection
Thank you gents. You really were the centre of your mum’s world.
Family and friends, we will now take a break for a moment to listen to a song which Kirstin always played in the car, Circle of Life by Elton John. As you listen to the music, think of the moments that Kirstin made you smile, the way she inspired you and the precious memories that you made together that can be cherished.
Reflection Music – Elton John, Circle of Life.
Sadly, after a brave and courageous fight with cancer Kirstin passed away peacefully on the 20th of April, surrounded by the family which she adored and treasured.
We will now say the Lords Prayer, for those of you who wish to join in, the words can be found in your order of ceremony.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Committal – Words from Lynsey
Closing Words
Please be seated. As we come towards the end of the ceremony today, we have a poem entitled xxxxxxx written by xxxxx. (Will be amended when a poem is chosen)
She is gone – David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday.
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
Alternative Poem Suggestions at the end of the document.
Final Words
Following the ceremony today, please do join the family at the Prince William in Castleford where you can continue sharing your memories of Kirstin. If you are able, please contribute to the collection for a charity which meant so much to Kirstin. Be it toilet rolls or washing capsules, or of course tins of Corned beef, Normanton Food bank is there to help those in need.
Family and friends, thank you all for being here today to celebrate the life of Kirstin.
The Bargain hunter and Founder of New Normy Watch. The allotmenteer, animal lover, helper to anyone in need and the friend to many. The selfless woman who embraced life to the full and was eternally optimistic and an infectious air of positivity who leaves a huge hole in so many lives.
Recall the times that you have shared together, the moments that Kirstin made you smile, the times she helped you, no matter how small the gesture. Continue sharing your memories of Kirstin as you reminisce from today and every day forward.
And as you move forward, live your life to the fullest, for the future is scarce. Accept the twists and turns that are laid on in the road before you. If you are ever facing a challenge like this brave and courageous woman did, then channel your inner Kirstin, and let her fight be your survival guide, just as she wanted.
Kirstin lived each day of her life as she saw fit, so in recognition of that, to sing us out of the chapel today, we have Frank Sinatra, with My Way.
And Cancer, This one’s for you! (Cue finger towards the sky)
Recessional Music – Frank Sinatra, My Way
Alternative Poem Suggestions
A life well lived – Anon
A life well lived is a precious gift, Of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world, A brighter, better place.
Its filled with moments, sweet and sad, With smiles and sometimes tears
With friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years
A life well lived is a legacy, Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory, Our grateful hearts will treasure.
Legacy of Love – Anon
A wife, a mother, a dear friend too, This is the legacy we have from you
You taught us love and how to fight, You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best, And now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts we’ll eternally keep.
If I Should go – Joyce Grenfell
If I should die before the rest of you, Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.
Nor, when I’m gone, speak in a Sunday voice, But be the usual selves that I have known.
Weep if you must, Parting is hell. But life goes on, So sing as well.
Gone Too Soon – Anon
Words cannot describe the loss I feel saying farewell to you,
But heaven chose to give you wings and now it’s time you flew.
I wish that we could have more time, that God had let you stay.
Forever would not be long enough, but I would take one day.
I wish I had just one more chance to see that tender smile,
To laugh with you again my dear just for a little while.
Gone too soon, but not forgotten. Forever you will remain,
my guiding light, my shining star. Until I see your face again.
Remember Me – Anthony Dowson
Speak of me as you have always done, Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.
Share the happy memories we’ve made, Do not let them wither or fade.
I’ll be with you in the summer’s sun, And when the winds chill has come.
I’ll be the voice that whispers in the breeze, I’m peaceful now, put your mind at ease.
I’ve rested my eyes and gone to sleep, But memories we’ve shared, are yours to keep.
Sometimes our final days, maybe a test, But remember me, when I am at my best.
Although things may not be the same, Don’t be afraid to use my name.
Let your sorrow last for just a while, Comfort each other and try to smile.
I’ve lived a life full of joy and fun. Live on now, make me proud of what you’ll become.
Invisible Ink – Becky Hemsley
It Feels like the story has ended far too early and so unresolved
With too many words left unwritten and too many tales still untold
There are too many plotlines still tangles that you don’t knot if you can untie.
And Too many chapters unfinished, and not near enough answers to ‘Why?’
And you always presumed at an ending, thought you knew how it was from the start.
But all of a sudden you’re losing your place on the pages you once knew by heart.
See you’re looking ahead to those pages now and they’re feeling abandoned and bear
For the ones you were sharing the pen with have gone and you can’t find a trace of them there,
But they will always be part of your story ’cause they will always be part of you too
so with each every word that you write from now on there will be whispers of old with the new.
Yes they’ll always be there right beside you only not in the way you might think,
’cause they leave on the pages fast traces of love that they’ll right in invisible ink
One More Day – Becky Hemsley
If I could have just one more day with you
I would hardly speak I would simply listen to your voice
and commit every tone of it to memory until it became my favourite melody
I would look at you I would study your eyes and your mouth
and I would learn every angle every pain of your face until
I could see you perfectly with my eyes closed.
I would hold your hand in mine, I would trace all the lines
of your palm until they become a trail – a map – that I could retrace on my own palm every time I felt lost.
I would soak you up and breathe you in until there was
not a single thing that I could not recall at a moments notice.
But more than anything if I had one more day with you I would hold you.
I would hold you so tight hoping that maybe if I didn’t let you go. You wouldn’t.
Yes if you had just one more day with you I would hope
I would hope so hard that you wouldn’t have to leave again.
Pardon Me For Not Getting Up by Kelly Roper
(This poem is perfect for those who were never so serious in life and who wouldn’t want their funerals to be a sombre occasion.)
Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now, I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being such a stiff and unwelcoming host.
Just talk amongst yourself my friends and share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well How I loved to drink with you.
Don’t worry about mourning me, I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense and we’ll have a good laugh at the end.