HEATHER CARTWRIGHT – RIP – Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

Heather Cartwright – 8th December 1936 – 6th February 2023 – RIP

Sadly, we must report the death of Heather Cartwright who died on Monday 6^th February, mother of JC and matriarch of the Cartwright family.

Heather in her own right, together with hubby Joe, was a hands-on stalwart member and supporter of the club from the late 70’s to early 80’s. Initially with Joe, supporting JC in his rugby development through the M&Js and Colts and then 1st XV, they both went on to become invaluable workers at the Club. For many years she helped order and prepare post-match food for club teams and occasional Club social events. If that wasn’t enough, she regularly took team kit home to wash, dry and mend, when club equipment or other laundry services were not available.

Meanwhile, Joe became a one-man grounds team for many years, doing his best to keep our one and only pitch in good health. With only a small, terminally ill, old Fergusson tractor to tow a blunt mower and an ancient grass roller. When eventually the tractor’s starter motor failed and with no funds available to replace it, Joe, with JC on the tractor, needed to tow start it with his own car, very nearly on one occasion, pulling the back end from his car. When he’d finished with the pitch, he invariably stayed to help Dougie Grant to bottle up the clubhouse bar. He also took over from Les Webb as match Sponge Man and medic. He was a trained first aider and bought some inflatable splints, which proved invaluable when we had to extract Steve Fox from a distant muddy pitch at Bowdon with a badly broken leg during a Cheshire Cup match.

Heather, thank you for your help during some tough times in the Club’s history. Yours and Joe’s legacy continues with JC, Colette and Grandchildren Aimee and Jonny, all still active in various roles. Not forgetting Ellie who put in regular bar shifts for a number of years before settling to married life in Warwickshire.

Heather, what a great lady you were. A strong character who got things done but was always smiling and full of fun. Now Rest in Peace with Joe.

To John, Linda, Libby and Josie and all the Cartwright family, Lymm RFC shares your loss.