ForeverMissed
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Triumphant with her ice cream
When Mummy died it had been her wish to donate her body to medical science (due to her own career in physiotherapy), but sadly her recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s robbed her of this opportunity. She did not want to have a traditional funeral or memorial service, so we’ve chosen this site as an alternative way for us all to come together and share our stories, memories and photos of her. Together, we will create a lasting memorial, offering us and the next generation an insight into her life and the impact she had.

We’d love to learn more about her life before and outside of motherhood, so please do share any stories you have about our much missed mother. 

Thank you,

Imogen and Cordelia

Donations in Judith's memory, if you wish, may be made to the charity Understanding Dementia, whose training was a great support to us. https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/8583#!/DonationDetails%23%2FDonationDetails

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Rose Martinez
August 13
August 13
The Powell family have been a big part of my life. I met Judith over 40 years ago. One Saturday morning, she and Peter brought their beautiful little daughter, Cordelia, to The White Lion Centre, Islington, where I was giving children's pottery classes. It was love at first sight! I had recently come back to London after finishing college and I was delighted to make friends with such a cheerful, bookish family. We became firm friends and have shared the vicissitudes of life, chats about art, books and politics, over countless cups of tea and delicious homemade cakes and biscuits. I taught, Cordelia throughout her secondary school career. This was a joy and privilege for me. She is a tribute to Judith in all the best ways. I have only recently got to know Imogen and she is equally delightful and smart! I married late, and after our wedding reception we returned to my flat to find that Judith and Cordelia had decorated the porch and the letter box with flowers. We were and still are, so touched by their brilliance, secretiveness and thoughtfulness. At the time, as a relatively newly-wed, I had the idea that it would be nice to get on Eurostar to the south of France for Christmas. Eurostar had other plans, the lines were frozen. I 'phoned, Judith to have a moan but what transpired was the best Christmas I have ever had. Judith didn't hesitate to invite us to spend Christmas day with them. The freezing weather turned sunny and I remember Judith in her quiet, cosy flat, bathed in winter sun. We had our fill of food, jollity, conversation, games and more food! We have never forgotten that Christmas or Judith's spontaneous kindness to us. This act sums up Judith's gentleness, thoughtfulness and generosity over many years. Judith leaves behind her two similarly clever, witty, kind, generous daughters.
Chris Brown
August 11
August 11
My dear cousin Judith was always there in my life. Being nearly a generation older she grew in my mind from being a part of my parents generation to my own generation as I grew older and particularly after I became a dad living close to her for some years in London. Judith was always happy to see us and join in with any activity. She loved spending time with William and Sarah during those first years of their lives in London. Meeting up for a beer in the garden of the local pub the Canonbury after one of Peter's Sunday walks or through the week with my pal Jim who worked in the city and was partial to a lunchtime pint .
As a child I remember visiting her in Prospect House - usually around Easter time. Cold wet and windy outside but warm and cosy Judith style inside, Aga , Cats , tea and cakes. I recall playing for hours on the two staircases - up one down the other - child's paradise!
Judith and Peter made a point of visiting me during my first period away from Home. I was a Cadet at Sandhurst among total strangers in a totally new environment. They made the journey to see me on the few free afternoons and Sundays. I really appreciated these visits.
Later Judith visited us in Northumberland, in the late summer. We spent most of the week harvesting Plums and Damsons then stoning boxes of the fruit before turning all into Jams and Chutney using the Aga and Judith's experience. I can still see the yellowish brown stains on those hands!
Judith leaves behind two wonderful daughters Imogen and Cordelia who will carry their mother's wonderful example and joie de vivre forward for their next generations
Always remembered in my heart - Cousin Judith
Vic Brown
August 8
August 8
As Judith's much younger cousin, I saw her off and on throughout my childhood, visiting her when she lived in Prospect House on the moors with her first husband and cats. I think she saw herself more like an aunt than a cousin to me and Chris. I got a present from her every Xmas, and I still have at least one of them now - she had a knack of giving something that was appreciated.

When she moved to London, I would call on her and Peter if I happened to be down there, and often slept on the floor for the night.  The first occasion was in 1967 when I had a couple of university interviews a few days apart, when she was living in a bedsit.  She took me to see 'Bonny and Clyde' and cooked a sausage casserole for dinner.
That's one bit of my life that's gone now.

Beatrix Payne
August 6
August 6
Judith always had a kind word and a smile when we met on the pavements of Canonbury Square. We were neighbours and I got to know her shortly after the loss of Peter. I loved her strength and energy. She often brought a flash of colour and glamour to the square - I remember her dressed in bright reds and yellows. I didn’t know her well but she struck me as someone full of love and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you Imogen and Cordelia.
Judith Spackman
August 4
August 4
Judith has been an old and valued friend of the family since Cordelia and our daughter Juliet were in primary school together.
I have many happy memories of shared interests and activities; birthday and Christmas celebrations and presents (many of them homemade; I still have velvet pincushions in use!) Parties in the garden add tea and biscuits in the pretty kitchen using Beatrix Potter china and talking for hours. We had a shared interest in Victorian scrap screens, Scandinavian painted deco, and beautifully illustrated children's books. One special, thoughtful present was Judith’s arranging and taking me to a special exhibition, at Buckingham Palace, of fine fans, because she knew I loved fans.
And of course there was ballet: doing up young Juliet’s and Cordelia’s hair and taking them to much loved ballet lessons in Rosebery Avenue every week.
We will continue to miss her.
Nigel Hubbard
August 1
August 1
I first met Judith in 1988 when I lived for a few years in the basement flat on the same Canonbury Square staircase, and remember her and Peter being very welcoming, and I also have a memory of Cordelia and Imogen as young girls in the garden outside my flat. For a decade and a half I then lived elsewhere in Islington before in 2007 moving into the flat directly beneath Judith's, where I've lived ever since, and it's from this period I've got to know Judith best. Always there's been a strong sense of her kindness and gentleness that others have mentioned, but also of her breadth of interests, strong sense of herself, and her irreverent humour. Visiting her flat always felt something of a world apart - a true country cottage kitchen (somehow here in central London!) and all those clearly-loved books and objects stacked high around every wall. I know Judith was interested in childen's literature and her flat always felt to me a form of creative world-building, an extension of self - and I'm glad she got to live in it for so long. During her final year in the flat I was lucky to spend some extended time with her - she spoke a bit about her childhood and also about her moving in back in 1969, she never lost her love of reading - always with a book open on her lap, sometimes several - perhaps most of all what I remember though is the way she always kept her outward facing consideration for others, her ability to laugh at things, and to be good company - those aren't easy things to keep, and a reflection of who she was - I'm very glad to have known her across all those years.  
Lucy Hunter
July 31
July 31
I first met Judith, my dear friend Dilly's Mum, many years ago when Dilly was a very shy 18 year old (I know, Dilly shy?!) and was immediately struck by her warmth, intelligence and charm. I was always made so welcome in their cosy flat in Canonbury and we had many happy, chatty suppers round the kitchen table. Her bulging bookshelves became my library and we swopped news of any new books we'd loved and pressed each other to read. Her voice was always gentle, her presence calm, and her lovely smiling face ever ready to listen and laugh. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. I will think of her often and fondly.
Helena Baillie
July 29
July 29
Cordelia is one of my sister Juliet’s oldest friends. This is how I know and met Judith some 35+ years ago. I fondly remember going to their house in Canonbury where we often enjoyed baking cookies or playing charades. We spent quite a few Christmas’ at one another’s houses and I will always remember Judith’s warm and comforting aura. I am deeply saddened to hear of Judith’s passing but I am at peace knowing she is now with Peter for ever more.
Kate Pantelis
July 29
July 29
I remember meeting Judith, Cordelia’s beautiful charming mother in Upper Street Islington. She is an inspiration to us all staying so independent into her old age. I was amazed that she could climb that steep staircase to her beautiful home well into her 80’s! What an incredibly charming lady and I love the drama school head shot! Kate xxx

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Recent Tributes
Rose Martinez
August 13
August 13
The Powell family have been a big part of my life. I met Judith over 40 years ago. One Saturday morning, she and Peter brought their beautiful little daughter, Cordelia, to The White Lion Centre, Islington, where I was giving children's pottery classes. It was love at first sight! I had recently come back to London after finishing college and I was delighted to make friends with such a cheerful, bookish family. We became firm friends and have shared the vicissitudes of life, chats about art, books and politics, over countless cups of tea and delicious homemade cakes and biscuits. I taught, Cordelia throughout her secondary school career. This was a joy and privilege for me. She is a tribute to Judith in all the best ways. I have only recently got to know Imogen and she is equally delightful and smart! I married late, and after our wedding reception we returned to my flat to find that Judith and Cordelia had decorated the porch and the letter box with flowers. We were and still are, so touched by their brilliance, secretiveness and thoughtfulness. At the time, as a relatively newly-wed, I had the idea that it would be nice to get on Eurostar to the south of France for Christmas. Eurostar had other plans, the lines were frozen. I 'phoned, Judith to have a moan but what transpired was the best Christmas I have ever had. Judith didn't hesitate to invite us to spend Christmas day with them. The freezing weather turned sunny and I remember Judith in her quiet, cosy flat, bathed in winter sun. We had our fill of food, jollity, conversation, games and more food! We have never forgotten that Christmas or Judith's spontaneous kindness to us. This act sums up Judith's gentleness, thoughtfulness and generosity over many years. Judith leaves behind her two similarly clever, witty, kind, generous daughters.
Chris Brown
August 11
August 11
My dear cousin Judith was always there in my life. Being nearly a generation older she grew in my mind from being a part of my parents generation to my own generation as I grew older and particularly after I became a dad living close to her for some years in London. Judith was always happy to see us and join in with any activity. She loved spending time with William and Sarah during those first years of their lives in London. Meeting up for a beer in the garden of the local pub the Canonbury after one of Peter's Sunday walks or through the week with my pal Jim who worked in the city and was partial to a lunchtime pint .
As a child I remember visiting her in Prospect House - usually around Easter time. Cold wet and windy outside but warm and cosy Judith style inside, Aga , Cats , tea and cakes. I recall playing for hours on the two staircases - up one down the other - child's paradise!
Judith and Peter made a point of visiting me during my first period away from Home. I was a Cadet at Sandhurst among total strangers in a totally new environment. They made the journey to see me on the few free afternoons and Sundays. I really appreciated these visits.
Later Judith visited us in Northumberland, in the late summer. We spent most of the week harvesting Plums and Damsons then stoning boxes of the fruit before turning all into Jams and Chutney using the Aga and Judith's experience. I can still see the yellowish brown stains on those hands!
Judith leaves behind two wonderful daughters Imogen and Cordelia who will carry their mother's wonderful example and joie de vivre forward for their next generations
Always remembered in my heart - Cousin Judith
Vic Brown
August 8
August 8
As Judith's much younger cousin, I saw her off and on throughout my childhood, visiting her when she lived in Prospect House on the moors with her first husband and cats. I think she saw herself more like an aunt than a cousin to me and Chris. I got a present from her every Xmas, and I still have at least one of them now - she had a knack of giving something that was appreciated.

When she moved to London, I would call on her and Peter if I happened to be down there, and often slept on the floor for the night.  The first occasion was in 1967 when I had a couple of university interviews a few days apart, when she was living in a bedsit.  She took me to see 'Bonny and Clyde' and cooked a sausage casserole for dinner.
That's one bit of my life that's gone now.

View all 9 tributes
Gallery
Xmas present from Judith 1960's
With her brother Richard
Ernest and Edna King
Cordelia being introduced to her big sister for the first time.
Judith and a five day old Imogen
Judith and Peter's wedding day, 20th January 1971 at Finsbury Town Hall.
Winning prizes
View all 41 items
Her Life

The beginning

July 26
by Cordelia Powell
Judith was born in Leeds in 1933 and grew up in Ikley with her parents Ernest and Edna King and her younger brother Richard.
View all 11 Life stories
Recent stories
July 30
by Sarah Keen
Judith was my father Chris’s cousin. I have many memories of Judith from being a child living in London. Visiting the flat up all those stairs (probably wasn’t that many but as a child it felt far), the smell of amaretti biscuits always reminds me of her.
Every year she would send me and William a picture advent calendar and lovely presents in the post. One I remember well was a pop up paper stage with slide along characters. 

She is thought of often in our house due to this beautiful headboard which was made for me as a child by my dad and her daughter. It is now in pride of place in my little boy’s bedroom for the next generation of Browns. 

Judith was always very kind and had a beautiful smile. She will be very missed. 

Sarah xxx


Initial reflections from a lifetime with Mum, and nearly a week without her:

July 28
by Cordelia Powell
From a very young age, Mum showed me the value of slowing down and taking in one’s surroundings, of appreciating beauty and developing good taste. I felt her deep-seated, spiritual affinity with certain wild and free landscapes.

She gifted me my first experience of the magic that is theatre (at Sadler’s Wells). That first swish of the curtain and the electricity of a unique shared experience remain an unbridled joy. Mum delighted in stories and books, devoured many, lived by some, shared freely for which I am very grateful. I adored growing up in London and she showed us the best of its amazing culture; the theatre, the ballet, the museums and galleries, the green spaces and magical backstreets. 

I drink daily from her mugs, and her pretty salt and pepper shakers sit on my kitchen shelf. They are both a happy reminder, and a symbol of continuity and change as I forge my own, different family life with Leigh and Frank. I do not know where they came from, if she bought them, or was given them, I may well have been told and forgotten. They remind me that I do not know her full history and never will and that is fitting. She lived a whole life before she had us and it belongs to her.

To a point, I began my grieving process quite some time ago; since I was last able to have a proper conversation with her. However, Mum’s voice remains with me in many of my own thoughts and actions. Some which I actively try to challenge, some which I embrace. 

Mum (and Dad) forged my political and philosophical outlook. We were encouraged to question and challenge the status quo for which I am very grateful. 

Snapshots of multiple memories jostle and criss-cross in my mind at the moment, then spin on, rather like a carousel. If and when any fix more stably, I’ll share them. For now, to paraphrase Frank, ‘She is gone, but we love her, don't we.’

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