FRIENDS and family have said a final farewell to much loved dale icon Gladys Sparks, who died just short of her 100th birthday.
A service to celebrate her life was held at Cockfield Methodist Chapel on Monday, led by Revd Andy Bryer.
In the eulogy, close friend Alan Armstrong described how Gladys, who was born on July 12, 1918, would have loved that a horse and carriage formed part of her service.
She had been due to ride in a carriage as Barnard Castle Meet’s carnival queen this year, but had to pull out at the last minute because of ill health.
Despite this, she gave her great grandchildren the blessing to take the ride in her place and “adorned with tiara and cloak, she waved the carriage off” .
Mr Armstrong said: “She has touched the lives of so many people, and today she will get her carriage ride. Gladys, may you rest in peace and ride in glory.”
He praised her for her strength, determination and sense of fun.
Mr Armstrong spoke about how Mrs Sparks had been heavily involved in the Copley community throughout her life and had organised many village carnivals and events.
She continued to arrange events even after moving to Charles Dickens Lodge, in Barnard Castle.
Mrs Sparks’ grandchildren paid tribute to her during the service by describing their fondest memories under the title Our Perfect Granny.
