Funeral details for 'kind, gentle, beautiful soul' Heather are announced

The family of Heather Smedley paid a heartfelt tribute to her after she was tragically killed in a road traffic collision in Heyside, Royton, on Friday, December 23, last year.

Heather – who was 53 – passed away as a result of her injuries after she was involved in a road traffic collision on Shaw Road in Royton.

Now, Shaw-based Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors has published the details of Heather’s funeral on social media on behalf of her family.

A widely shared Facebook post states that her funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 18 at St Mark’s Church in Heyside at 1.15pm, prior to internment at Crompton Cemetery.

Flowers can be sent to the Chapel of Rest or donations can be sent to Thornham St James Primary School in Royton via Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors at Lyon House, 48/52 Rochdale Road, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 7SA.

Paying tribute to Heather on the day of her death, her family said: "To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian.

"The world was a much better place with you in it.

"Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out.

"She faced all of life’s challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered.

"We could not have asked for a better role model growing up, giving everything, she had to all of those she loved, and always supporting those around her.

"She was the glue that held our family together.

"Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better.

"She had the greatest sense of humour and contagious laugh that we will miss every single day.

"You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever."

An inquest into Heather’s death is due to open at Rochdale Coroner's Court today (Thursday).

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