A devoted Coventry dad who loved tending his garden has been remembered in the city's latest death and funeral notices. Alexander "Alec" Kolaj, who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 65, had a "passion for life" and was also a talented artist, his family said.
Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk - the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams.
Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory. Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page.
To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here . Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.
Here is a selection of notices published earlier this week.
William John Armstrong
Bill, formerly of Charlewood Road. Passed away suddenly on 4th August 2024 aged 90 years. Loved and missed by family and friends. Funeral to take place at 1:45 pm on Thursday 29th August at Charter Chapel Canley Crematorium Coventry. Family flowers only or donations in memory of Bill to Alzheimer's Research UK.
All are welcome to join the family in celebration of Bill's life at Christ the King Parish Centre 14 Westhill Road Coventry CV6 2AA. Further information may be obtained from the Funeral Director at: The Heart of England Co-op Funerals 11, Lower Holyhead Road Coventry CV1 3AX Tel: 02476 225826.
John Bazell
A much-loved brother and friend, and well-known postman around Allesley Park for many years. The Funeral Service will take place at Canley Crematorium, Cannon Hill chapel on Friday 6th September, 09:00am. Family flowers only.
Donations in memory of John can be made to Myton Hospice, either online or via the donations box, which will be made available at the end of the service. For all enquiries, please contact: Heart of England Co-op Funerals, 184 Ansty Road, Coventry, CV2 3EX. Tel: 024 7665 0619.
Mary Theresa Bills (nee Muldoon)
(nee Muldoon) Of Bradford Abbas and Coventry It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Mary Bills, who passed away peacefully on Monday 5th August at home with family. Much loved, she will be greatly missed.
The funeral will take place in Sherborne on Friday 30th August, 12.30pm. All enquiries c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. No flowers please, but donations in memory of Mary may be made to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust or Shelterbox via www.ajwakely.com (Please make cheques payable to the charities).
Kathleen Mary Coleman
Sadly passed away on 6th August 2024, aged 80 years. Deeply missed by all family and friends. Forever in our hearts and minds. Family flowers only please.
A funeral service will take place on Friday 23rd August 2024 at 11.30am at Canley Crematorium, Charter Chapel. Further information may be obtained from the Funeral Director at: The Heart of England Co-op Funerals 184, Ansty Road Coventry CV2 3EX Tel: 02476 650619.
Lynne Collins (Melton)
1952 - 2024. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lynne Collins on August 14th, 2024, in Scarborough. Born on July 13th, 1952, in Coventry, Lynne lived a fulfilling life filled with love, laughter and dedication.
She was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, daughter, and sister, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. Lynne spent a significant portion of her life in Coventry, where she worked at Coventry University for many years. She met her husband, John, while working at the university and they married in 1979. She had a deep affection for her home city.
In 2015, Lynne retired to Filey, North Yorkshire, where she continued to enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life. She embraced the coastal town's natural beauty and tranquillity, often spending time exploring the local beaches and countryside.
Lynne's beloved parents were Dennis and June Melton and she had a loving brother, Michael Melton. She leaves behind her loving husband, John Collins; her devoted son, Antony Collins; and her cherished daughter, Stephanie Collins.
Lynne's memory will be cherished by all who knew her. She was a woman of exceptional character, known for her compassion, generosity and unwavering support for those around her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held at Scarborough Woodlands Crematorium on Monday September 2nd at 2pm. Any friends of Lynne are welcome to attend. Donations in memory of Lynne can be sent to Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary or Cancer Research UK. Flowers can be sent to Co-op Funeralcare, 77-79 Columbus Ravine, Scarborough YO12 7QU.
Derek William Cooke
Derek William Cooke aged 94 years, Stoke, Coventry, passed away on the 24th July at UHCW, Coventry. Much loved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend.
Derek's funeral service will take place at Charter Chapel, Canley Crematorium Wednesday 28th August 2024 at 14.30 pm. Flowers welcome or donations for Prostate Cancer UK Henry Ison and Sons Funeral Directors, 76-78 Binley Road, Coventry, CV3 1 FQ tele 02476458 665.
Padraig (Patrick) Hegarty
Passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday 14th August 2024 aged 90 years. Devoted husband of the late Kathleen, much loved dad to Maura (deceased), Kay and Des (deceased), respected father in law to Alan. A dear brother to Annie, Martin, Bridget, Josie, Gerry, James (all deceased) and Margaret. Sadly missed brother in law, uncle and friend to many. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam".
Requiem Mass to take place at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday 28th August at 1:00pm followed by the burial at London Road Cemetery. Family Flowers only please, donations if desired in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust may be sent c/o Devall & Son Funeral Directors or made online via www.devallandson.com. Devall & Son Funeral Directors, 1 Jubilee Crescent, Radford, Coventry CV6 3EX Tel:024 7660 0649.
Alexander Josef Kolaj (Alec)
(Alec) In loving memory of Alexander Josef Kolaj. Born 29th April 1959 in Coventry, unexpectedly passed away 6th August 2024. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alec Kolaj, who left us suddenly on Tuesday 6th August 2024 at the age of 65. He was a beloved father to Lucy, a devoted husband to Lesley and a supportive brother and friend to many.
Alec was born and raised in Coventry, he attended Our Lady of the Assumption School and Bishop Ullathorne School and went on to study an apprenticeship as a tool maker/engineer. He had a passion for life, he was a talented gardener, often supplying friends and family with plants for their gardens. He was a keen lepidopterist, interested in moths and butterflies, and the mothing community will miss him dearly. Alec was also a talented pencil artist and had a great eye for detail.
Alec is survived by his wife of 37 years and his 36-year-old daughter, also his siblings, Elizabeth, Susie, Helen and Richard.
A memorial service will be held on Friday 6th September at 2.15pm in Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Alec's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Alec's spirit will live on, in the garden that he tended so passionately, and in the butterflies and moths that brought him so much joy. Look to the sky, and with the stars you will find him. All enquiries c/o Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors, 333 Tile Hill Lane, Coventry, CV4 9DU Telephone 024 7647 3000.
Elizabeth Ann (Ann) Lindon
(Ann) Passed away on 7th August 2024, aged 89 years. Much loved wife of Don (deceased), wonderful mum to Kate and mother-in-law to Rob. Funeral service to take place on Thursday 29th August at 11:30am in All Saints Church, Allesley Village, followed by the Committal in Charter Chapel, Canley Crematorium.
Family flowers only please but donations, if desired, for her favourite charity, Cats Protection, may be placed in the collection box on the day or made online via www.ajlloyd.co.uk All enquiries to A J Lloyd Funeral Directors Allesley - Ernesford Grange - Keresley 024 7627 4444.
Patricia (Pat) McAlister (McWilliams)
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce that Patricia passed away peacefully on Wednesday 7th August 2024, aged 78 years. Devoted wife to Matt, the most loving wonderful mother to Matthew, Andrew & Tracey, and grandmother to Matthew, Antoni and Oliver.
Treasured sister to Tina (Joey, Mae, Gerard, Michael and Paul); adored aunt; and much loved friend to many. We can't believe you are now gone too, you take our hearts' tears with you.
All are most welcome at the funeral service on Friday 30th August at 3.00pm at the Coventry Crematorium, Cannon Hill Chapel - and following on, a time to celebrate the most precious memories, a wake will be held in Pat and Matt's "Centre", the Potters Green Community Centre in Wigston Rd, Coventry CV2 2QR from approx 4.30pm.
Flowers are most welcome and can be sent to Grimmett and Timms, Albany Road, Earlsdon, CV5 6NG (to arrive in the early morning of the day of the service - approx 9.30-10.00am on 30th August).
Donations for The Honey Pot charity that supports child carers, and Operation Smile that gives children with cleft palates their smile back, in memory of mum are also welcome.
Joyce Kathleen Paxton
Passed away peacefully on 9th August 2024, aged 79 years. Devoted wife to Terry, much loved mum to Paul, Keith, Sharran & Joanne. Caring mother-in-law to Robert & Martin, adored nana to Natalie & James, cherished sister to Jean & Joan, who are now all reunited. Joyce was a great friend to many and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral service to take place on Monday 2nd September in Charter Chapel, Canley Crematorium at 2:30pm. Floral tributes are welcome and may be sent to the address below, on the morning of the funeral. A J Lloyd Funeral Directors ‘The Old Barn’ 656 Allesley Old Road Coventry CV5 8GB Tel: 024 7627 4444.
Pauline Lilian Phillips (nee Blake)
Late of Nod Rise, Coventry. Passed away peacefully on Thursday August 8th, 2024. Dearly loved wife to Dave (Fred), mum to Claire and Richard, grandma to Max and Jack and mother-in-law to Neil and Dawn. Will be greatly missed by all. Rest peacefully.
Funeral service and cremation at Canley Crematorium, Charter Chapel on Wednesday August 28th at 3.15pm. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Dementia UK either at the Chapel or via https://paulinelilianphillips.muchloved.com All enquiries to Heart of England Co-op Funerals, Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, tel 02476 225826.
To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
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