In the beginning…... In 1963 a big bouncing baby was born at King Street Hospital, Watford, to Brian and Joan Weston. Her name was Hilary! She was a bubbly child with curly blond locks, bright blue eyes and cherub like face. People liked her energy her joyfulness, she was big in statue and big in personality. During her first few years she lived with her Mum and Dad at Kensington Avenue, Watford with her Grandma Gracie Lucas until they all moved to North Watford in the late 60’s. Angela, Hilary’s sister soon joined her in 1967. Hilary was very excited to have a baby sister. Hilary’s Mum and dad always said this. She tried to care for her and looked out for her. But as with all younger siblings they did mention that sometimes Hilary was a little reluctant to be put into the play pen with her little sister to keep her occupied and out of mischief. However as time progressed both sisters shared creative interests and some similar tastes in music, films, TV programs and walking in natural surroundings. As they got older the sisters shared a room and would often get shouted at from the next-door bedroom, dad telling them to stop chatting and giggling as it was late and they needed to go to sleep. And if they weren’t giggling, they were listening to the radio, to LBC Robby Vincent or radio Luxemburg. Some weekends the sisters would sit in mum and dads’ room having late evening cups of tea and listening to the goons or any other comedy that was playing. Early twenties Hilary enjoyed watching Horror films including the Hammer Horror films, she liked vampire and werewolf films specifically. She spent time watching series such as the incredible hulk, the man from Atlantis, the invisible man, Sapphire and Steel, The Day of the Triffid’s and of course Dr Who, which she still occasionally watched recently. Hilary liked to read books but also liked to buy marvel and DC comic books. They inspired her to draw some of her own adventure cartoons and write stories about mythical people with superpowers. Hilary did enjoy music in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. She liked Vangelis, Kate bush and Jean Michel Jarre. She enjoyed music ranging from Marc Almond to The Mission, Effervescence to the Prodigy and had a small collection of relaxation music. But she said in recent years she found it very difficult to listen to music, that’s what she said, and much preferred to listen to the radio, still LBC and radio 4 extra. She also spent time watching YouTube on her tablet during the evenings or watching TV, usually dramas or fantasy films such as the Avengers. During these years Hilary’s individuality was highlighted with her thought’s opinions and dress sense. She had her own style and liked head bands, unusual bags, colourful tops and leggings. She also loved jewellery and bought many pieces from second hand shops, flea markets and tabletop sales. She would then take some apart and create her own individual pieces, necklaces, bracelets, and clip on earrings. Hilary didn’t ever follow the crowd and throughout her life remained true to herself. She would not be easily swayed by other people and some may say….well…..you know…. stubborn!!! Yes, steadfast, awkward and very stubborn to the point of absolute frustration! Oh yes, she was certainly that too! Hilary attended Queen’s school Bushey and attained an A level in Art. However, she didn’t purse a degree, she had an interview at harrow school of Art but wasn’t accepted. She didn’t want to go far from home so didn’t try other colleges/Universities. But it didn’t stop her carrying on with her artistic pursuits. She exhibited and sold some of her painting in local exhibitions such as Watford library and the Harlequin centre. She found some parts of her senior schooling challenging but this lead up to a more relaxed 6 Hilary Weston: A Celebration of a very individual life th form. Though there may have been some difficulties she of course she continued to be creative. Here she met Dawn and Simone. Hilary’s friendship continued after they left school. They used to frequent the wine bars in Watford, go to the theatre and cinemas. She visited Dawn in her hall of residence when she was completing her nurses training and they also went on a trip to Ireland. After leaving school Hilary took a job in a small family run printing company. She worked there for many numerous years until she left to work at Harperbury Hospital were both her sister Angela and Dad already worked. Hilary worked with her dad at the Jubilee centre, a day centre for people with learning disabilities. She quickly found that she enjoyed communicating with and caring for people who had disabilities, she took a great interest in people’s welfare. She enjoyed her time working there, enjoying the company of staff and service users alike. Hilary stayed at Harperbury Hospital until the late 90’s when the Hospital started to close. Hilary continued to work in Day care and gained employment with Hertfordshire day opportunities. Hilary was very close to her mum; she helped care for her in her later years. It was a great shock to her when mum passed away, it was sudden and not expected in 2012. But herself and Dad carried on. She would openly say that herself and dad became a team. They would walk in the countryside taking photos, sketching and would go on holiday twice a year to the coast. Hilary always loved the sea. Dad passed away in 2020 during covid. She was with him together with her sister Angela and her partner Steve at their home. Again, she found the grief difficult but was strong enough to go back to the family home to live. Her neighbours were always very kind and looked out for her, offering her help if needed. Over the last few years Angela became closer to Hilary again, visiting her and face timing each other. Hilary visited and stayed overnight at Angela’s house on a regular basis, chatting, eating, and watching TV. Hilary got to know the neighbours in West Watford. Especially Julia who she considered a friend. Hilary would kindly look after Angela’s 3 cats, who she loved, and they loved her (especially the old boy Norvin who was her screen saver) when she and Steve went on holiday. She enjoyed using Facebook and added friends from childhood, family, and work colleagues. She downloaded her pictures and joined the Watford observer camera club Facebook page and had 2 of her photo’s published in the Watford observer. The creative side of Hilary is well known to all who knew her. She painted boldly, sketched sensitively, and took beautiful photos of birds, landscapes, flora, and fauna. But she also had a spiritual side, she liked to see feathers falling, speaking to robins and of course the Kingfisher who she referred to as her spirit animal. She believed in signs from other worlds. Hilary had an encyclopaedic knowledge when it came to identifying birds, bugs and plants. Sometimes she may not have said much but she would always liven up if you asked her about these subjects. She kept diaries/journals and wrote in them daily. They were more than that as she added pictures and other pieces of information that she had such as cuttings from the paper or a train ticket a map something that would describe the day. She championed people seen to be on the edge of society and didn’t have a discriminative bone in her body. She genuinely liked people for who they are, a very rare quality to have indeed. She got along with others who were kind, caring and people with a silly sense of fun and humour. Hilary, a true creative individual. She made a mark on many, a broad stroke of a brush which swept people up. She may be on a different journey now, but her absence here is obvious. That strong thoughtful silence, that cheeky sense of humour, her knowledge and kindness it will all be missed but never forgotten, it is woven into our memories and written on to our hearts. Hilary Weston: A Celebration of a very individual life Angela x Memories from others From the family Auntie Jen (dads’ sister) and Uncle John (written by Aunty jen) We are here today to celebrate the life of our niece Hilary. How excited we were when she was born. I had introduced my wonderful brother to Joan, whom I worked beside. They married not long after and the next year they had Hilary. She brought much joy to the family. My husband, John and I followed with a son (David) and daughter (Joanne), then Angela, was born soon after. A while later we had another daughter (Heather). We all met up as often as possible as we are a close family. Hilary was very artistic. She started with painting using brushes, but in recent years had taken to photography, mainly nature, taking in many birds and animals. Again, she was very good at it, but didn’t realise how clever she was. Dear Hilary, we will always remember you. Our love goes with you. Cousins Dad’s side David, Joanne and Heather (written by Joanne) Hilary and Angela are our (David, Joanne, and Heather) only cousins. As children it was an exciting day when we met up with them. Sometimes they would visit us in Milton Keynes, and we would play games in the back field – usually involving a ball. Hilary would join in, sometimes reluctantly - cajoled by Uncle Brian! If we met at our grandparent’s house in Watford, Hilary would take part in the expedition to try to reach the end of the very overgrown wilderness that was the garden. One day we even found a greenhouse – we were so excited!! We looked up to our big cousin as the artist in the family. Her drawings and paintings were so good. When we visited Munden Grove she would show us what she had been working on. Now we have grown up, we are grateful for Facebook for keeping us in touch and that meant we were able to enjoy her photographs. We are in awe of some of the shots she managed to capture, she had a gift. Hilary was often quite quiet when she came to visit (perhaps she couldn’t get a word in between Uncle Brian (her dad) and Aunty Jenny (our mum). She was quietly contemplating and then would surprise us with witty remarks when we were least expecting it. Her face lit up and she had a lovely, gentle laugh. In June 2022 I brought my mum and dad (Aunty Jenny and Uncle John) to Watford to see family and friends. We walked through Cassiobury Park and Hilary pointed out some of the spots where she had managed to get her photos – the Kingfisher and the owls. Although Mum spoke with Hilary regularly by telephone, how could we possibly have known that would be the last time we would see our dear cousin (and niece) in person. We would not have believed it. Hilary was our big cousin. A favourite photo of us all together was Xmas 1971. It is a picture of Hilary, Angela, my brother David and me beside a Christmas Tree. My sister Heather isn’t in the picture because she wasn’t born yet, but Hilary has her arms around us all, and that is how we will think about her and remember her. Sleep well dear Cousin. Hilary Weston: A Celebration of a very individual life Cousins, Mums’ side Karen and Viv (written by Viv) Well Karen used to give her eggy breakfast at Kensington. One of my first memories was when we had to look after her when her dad was in hospital. She was 'shall we say' an 'energetic' child!!! She wrecked my room then we had to take with us to Karen's school (parents’ afternoon), she kicked up a fuss going & wouldn't go in, we had to go upstairs to the class & she kicked off again. We got her into the classroom & she had another paddy (teacher not impressed) until someone suggested she go to look at the fish tank in the foyer. I was charged (not for the first time) with getting her there, paddy again to get her down but as soon as she saw the fish... perfect child!!!! We then had another kick off to get her out again!!! She would have been under 3. We did talk at the hospital about how I 'got lumbered’ rather than playing with the baby (Angela). Hilary always made for the dressing up box at Grandma's & insisted on keeping them on even in group photos, generally with me trying to hang on to her. She changed to be far calmer person with her books & art but remember her caringly assuring her that R2D2 would be OK when I took you to the cinema to see Star Wars. In more recent years Karen said see would always be quick to get the kettle on when she popped in. There are so many memories, but I'll leave it there for now………. Knutsford Junior school Jennie Smith (Watson) Hilary’s best friend The thing about Hilary is that outside of my family, she was my first ‘Pebble’.  Pebbles are the people who have made such a splash in the pool of my life that they have sent out lasting ripples.  They are the people I respect and have learnt from, people who challenge my thinking and who have influenced aspects of my life and the person I have grown to be. Age 5, I was a very nervous child and Hilary, and I were thrown together by merit of the alphabetical order of our surnames.  She probably never remembered she was coat peg number 33 to my 32, but I clearly remember standing next to her as we put our coats and P.E. bags on those pegs in the lower school corridor. Hilary was a quietly strong, kind and calming presence, we just accepted each other as friends from Day 1 for the next 6 years and I always recognised her as one of life’s beautiful souls. As a youngest child, I was in awe of the relationship Hilary had with her baby sister Angela who she adored. She was such a tiny little thing I was sure Hilary had found her dancing at the bottom of her garden. Their perfect relationship and Angela’s beautiful name lead me to call my first child Angela. That was a big splash. I have several clear memories of Hilary from our childhood, we shared the daily responsibility of watering every plant in the whole school, and she seemed so knowledgeable on them for one so young.  When I visited her home, I understood why. It was a magical place where she introduced me to the random sizes and colours of gourds which I had never seen before, they seemed so exotic. Everything was magical in Hilary’s home and garden, especially when she let you take it all in through her eyes.  There was definitely potential for dancing fairies at the bottom of her garden, and she fuelled our imaginations with pictures of the Cottingley ‘Fairies’ in a book she excitedly showed me. I remember so clearly the feeling of immense pride that Hilary had been recognised for her artistic ability and was asked to paint a mural in the school corridor. It was a floor to ceiling waterfall, surrounded by all the colours and beauty nature had to offer. Such artistic talent. My memories of Hilary would not be complete without mention of her outrageous knee high, bright pink boots! Of course, that memory is flawed, and it only SEEMS like she wore them every day for the whole 6 years of primary school, but such was the impression they made on me. She rocked those Hilary Weston: A Celebration of a very individual life boots! My biggest regret is the perceived barrier which secondary school, distance and the passing of years created in our friendship.  So many missed opportunities, but I hope that she knew I always saw and appreciated the real Hilary and loved her for her strength just to be her beautiful self. It is so fitting that she chose to help others in her adult life and blessed them with her true Pebble status too. I don’t doubt though that she saved the biggest splash for her baby sister who my own beliefs tell me she will continue to watch over. Dear Hilary, I am so very sad I ran out of time to be the good friend I should have been. As your friend though I know you would want me to thank Angela for all she brought to your life and for the love and adoration she returned.  Also, to thank Steve for being there for Angela always. Lynne I have such lovely memories of being at your house with Hilary and yourself for many Saturday mornings, watching banana splits, Josie and the pussycats etc. Playing with our Pippa dolls and cutting their hair. The first time I heard Kenny Everett was at your house. More lately/recently I used to see Hilary and your lovely dad at the Tudor pub on a Sunday lunchtime. I also used to bump into Hilary around Radlett Road by the river whilst walking Oscar. Sadley, I had not seen her since just after the pandemic. Such treasured memories. Hold all your memories close and Hilary will always be with you. From Sarah Rew For me, it was the stunning mural she painted at Knutsford. At the time, it was so above and beyond anyone else could do it was a bit, for me at least, mind blowing. I also remember going to a birthday party and having hot (baked, BBQed) bananas which was a bit left field at the time. Even then, it seemed she knew who she was. X Queen School Bushey Dawn I was so sad to hear of Hilary’s passing from Mathew and Simone. I used to see her around Watford occasionally with your father. We would exchange news of big events and have a chat. All who knew her will miss Hilary’s generous nature, her creativity and her sense of humour. I have such fond memories of your gentle and welcoming mother. Your kind intelligent father and of course your families love of nature and the various creatures that came into your care. I’m sure that you are carrying on that tradition. I will continue to treasure the handmade card and a painting that Hilary so kindly made for me. Work colleagues Herts Day Opportunities: Queens Road, The Allotments, Wellstone’s and Parsonage Close. Jane, clients, and staff at Watford day services Hillary worked with our day service for many years Hillary had a very good relationship with both clients and staffs which is mainly due to her calm manner and soothing nature. Hillary was a very quiet and soft spoken lady, which reflected to her gentle and loving care for all our clients. All the Clients adored Hillary as she was so kind and loving to them all, they couldn't do anything that was Hilary Weston: A Celebration of a very individual life wrong for Hillary she would always remind everyone that those people have got special needs that's why they are in the service. Hillary was very sympathetic and would do whatever she could to make sure the client’s needs were met at all times. Hillary will be missed by Staff and clients. Dan I have some great memories the one that sticks out the most when we did the octopus garden it was a sensory session based on the song the octopus garden that was great fun and doing the big bird counts at the allotments and learning about birds I never knew about. Some people are not meant to get old there meant to leave a legacy and imprint on someone's life Hilary certainly did that, especially a chap called Richard that we both adored xx Julie Some of the best days with Hils was making up story’s with the group, and Hils always added something that would go over the guys heads but we definitely knew what she was saying. That dry humour was amazing.  Hilary worked at the Allotments for many years but after COVID and her more limited mobility due to osteoarthritis and after suffering with a bad back after being hit by a car, she only worked there on a minimal basis. She really enjoyed being there at the start of her career with Herts day opportunities. She always said how she enjoyed it. Staff say that she helped the clients identify the wildlife and plants. She would assist them to create their own folders with pictures and drawings of what had been seen or what was going on.

A Poem for Hilary (AKA ‘Love Speech’!) written with love by Hayley Payley. Aaah Hilary… Your gracious departure has left us bereft Of your kind and soft presence, your strengths, Your sweet gentleness.. To mention in just one poem all of your natural gifts Is too great a challenge to hope to do well, But Im going to attempt it, regardless of how much more there’ll be left to tell.. Hilary means ‘cheerful’, and your countenance was that, And there are so many more qualities that you so plentifully had; Your smile and your humour, your talents and skills We admired and loved you in so many ways Hils.. Your shyness and reticence were a credit to you Your mild and tender ways, your deep thoughtfulness too. A calm presence and true kindness is to name but a few of the qualities that made you, uniquely you, Your unique ways, your warm nature, your artistic talents, and a jewellery maker! Your photography, your love of the natural world, So many things you brought to our lives which we may still keep, and wear, and hold. Quiet and deep thinking, your eyes would reflect, they were blue like a beautiful sky, And with your humour, cheeky understated and warm, your eyes, they would shine. Your thought, though unknown to us, could be seen in your eyes, And they always looked knowing and kind. BUT.. when you were cross, your eyes would darken, a stormy feeling near.. A thunderous look and dark black cloud would fill the atmosphere! But wonderfully, you never became a full blown raging storm, (it was just a passing thunderous glower) Because your gentleness and pure sweet nature was clearly the greater, Superpower! Over the many years when my mum and I would chat, On mention of your name, she would always say the same.. “Oh yes Hilary? How is she? – she has such a pretty face!” Yes indeed, your face was pretty, but there’s so much more than that! Im sure we never told you quite as often as we could, How very much loved and admired you were by us, But Im also sure you would have known and responded with a blush! A carer in the proper sense, devoted and understanding.. One of those rare treasures who improved the lives of others. The simplicity of your being, in kindness and in giving, in how you chose to live.. There are so many things you brought to our lives and would generously give. When Ange and I were children, we used to call you “Hilwah” Your patience, even then, was clear, cos Ange and I were Haywire!! Hils, you will be missed a lot by us all, in different ways and measures, I still cant quite believe how patient and kind you were.. You really were a treasure. ‘Hurt no living thing’ is a poem that when I read, I think of you, your compassion; every line of it you breathed. You put up with an awful lot, with grace and understanding, Yet you patiently and tenderly continued to be giving. Spiders, birds and cats and moths, and us, Yes, every living thing Had your kindness compassion, protection and respectful understanding, And we all thank you for your love and for really, truly caring. How much we can all learn from your example, your simplicity of being! An artis, cousin, niece and carer, A sister and much beloved daughter. I for one will remember your eyes, They twinkled like sunlight on water. Today we say farewell as your complete your worldly journey, And give thanks to you for being you, Hils, you were so very lovely!

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