OUR STECHFORD MERCY ASSOCIATE BETTY GAMBLE RIP
A large congregation of family, friends, Sisters & Mercy Associates gathered on Tuesday 21st November at Corpus Christi Church, Stechford to celebrate the life of Elizabeth (Betty) Gamble RIP.
Betty was one of the first Associates in our Group and for many years had been a wonderful example of love and mercy to us all. Born in Ireland, she had lived in Stechford, Birmingham for most of her adult life and was widely loved and respected. Betty served our Parish faithfully in looking after the Altar linens and as a member of the Finance Committee to which she brought her expertise. She also looked after our shared ‘Mercy’ purse from which she faithfully arranged Mass offerings whenever the Sisters & Associates wanted Mass said for a sick member of our group, a bereaved family member or a special happy occasion.
Among the congregation at Betty’s Requiem Mass were people with whom Betty had been associated – her employers from a family Accountants business whose Muslim faith she deeply respected and who had visited her in hospital. Also present were Nick, Ritsa & Helen, Betty’s hairdressers, who treated her with unfailing kindness and had visited her in her Care Home before she died. She lived just across the road from both businesses and could be spotted crossing over at the lights to keep her appointments, often with flowers or treats in hand for the staff.
At her reception the night before, we were privileged to place our Group’s Mercy prayer cloth over Betty’s coffin along with her well-used copy of the Mercy Office Book and a Mercy candle. The Requiem Mass was indeed very special. Betty’s beloved family shared many anecdotes about her long & varied life! One of the most moving moments for our Associate group & Sisters Maura & Maureen was our singing of Venerable Catherine McAuley’s ‘Suscipe’ after Holy Communion. Betty was devoted to our Foundress. She read her Mercy Office book daily and performed many acts of love and mercy throughout her life.
As her friends and fellow Associates, we would like to thank all those who made wonderful comments about Betty’s ‘Mercy’ Mass.
You will be greatly missed, Betty. May you rest eternally in the arms of Jesus.
Mary Moyles, Stechford Mercy Associates.
November 2023