Mrs Joan Edna Hibble 1924 – 2013
The funeral took place in Foxearth Church on 14th August of Mrs Joan Hibble who died on 5th August aged 89. Joan was a resident of Foxearth for more than 60 years and the village turned out in force in memory of a much loved lady and friend. The service was conducted by the Rev. Margaret King assisted by Rev. Val Gagen before Joan was laid to rest in the churchyard alongside her dear husband, Vic, who died in 2003.
Rev. Margaret spoke of the very warm welcome she received when she came to the area 8 years ago and of the tremendous admiration she had for the fortitude and cheerfulness that Mrs Hibble showed in the face of the serious illnesses she faced in her later years. Joan was born in Bury St Edmunds on 16th April 1924 into a large family. In 1942 she was called up and given the option of the armed forces, factory work or working on the land. Being- in her own words an outdoor sort of girl- she chose the Land Army where she gained farming experience that was to stand her in good stead later in life. She met the love of her life - soldier Vic – in 1945 and they married the next year. Son Michael arrived and the family moved from Gt. Finborough to Foxearth where – in due course – daughters Edna and Janet were born. In 1951 a farming accident left Vic disabled so Joan took up the reins by working on a local farm. As her children grew, married and had families of their own Joan delighted in the growing band of grand and great grand children. The fact that Joan could not always get all their names right was a cause of understanding amusement in the family!
Grand daughter Claire spoke most affectionately of the early days when she recalled Nan baby-sitting her and her sister; there would inevitably be a box of matchmakers on hand. Nan was so generous to every one and would always acknowledge gifts with another gift or a “thank-you” card. In fact it was not unknown for Joan, on receiving such a card to answer it with a similar card! Claire described Joan’s great love of gardening and her pride in keeping a tidy patch – following Michael around as he cut the hedges and clearing up. One of Claire’s most treasured memories was of Mothers’ day this year when Joan was brought to the Bull Inn in Cavendish – for the first time - to enjoy a three-course meal. She greeted all the customers – whether known to her or not – and had many more friends at the end of the meal. That’s how popular she was! Claire’s long-standing wish was to be walked down the aisle by her father and her granddad and when Vic died
Claire persuaded Nan to be at her wedding day. Alas it was not to be but as the family mourn their loss there is consolation in the knowledge that Joan is now with the man she adored for so much of her life.
Joan Hibble was a staunch supporter of Foxearth church serving for many years on the Church Council and helping with sacristan and cleaning duties. Her regular flower arrangements were a delight to behold and her managing of the bric-a-brac stall at the annual fete was a reliable feature for many years. She was an active member of the four-villages Over 60s Club. Joan was greatly respected in the village and will be sadly missed by her numerous friends. To her family we express our deepest condolences in their loss.
Ken Nice