Betty Hook 1910 – 1999
From the Parish News – July 1999
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of a very much-loved friend to all who know her in Denton village. As mentioned last month, Betty and her husband Jack came to Denton in 1976 from Boreham Wood to retire, and very quickly won our hearts. Unfortunately she was widowed after only about eighteen months of their coming, but Betty became very active in the village, always willing to help with fund raising events for village and Church funds. One of her many activities was to unpick woollen clothing and re-knit the wool to make children's vests and other items for refugees and third world countries; it is said she made hundreds !A memorial service, led by Revd Helen Mills was well attended on Sunday 13th June at Denton URC. Betty worshipped regularly at this Church and her cheery personality will be sadly missed at the services. However, the friendly and informal atmosphere with a cup of tea and a chat after the service would suit her perfectly.
Our thoughts and sympathy go to her son Michael, and we thank him for making the donations in her memory to Denton Playing Field which she always supported. She always enjoyed watching the youngsters at play from her window. We have many loving memories of a dear lady.
The following tribute had appeared one month earlier in the June Parish News
I would like to say a few words about our friend Betty. As some of you know, she is in a nursing home suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Betty came to live in Chapelfields, Denton in 1976, with her husband Jack, who died not long after they had settled in. Betty got on with her life, and entered into the spirit of the events in the village wholeheartedly. Helping to raise money for the playing field, supporting the church fetes and bazaars (she loved the tombola), and never refused when asked to help with a good cause. Betty regularly attended the services at the Chapel, often saying she would not want to live anywhere but Denton. She gave much of her time to the Friendly Club and was for a number of years, the Chair Person. It is sad that her health deteriorated so quickly. We miss her friendly ways.
I am sure her friends would like me to say "we wish you well Betty" and extend our kind regards to her son Michael.
Peggy Battell