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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Rebecca Day & Sophie Halle-Richards

Loved and Lost: Greater Manchester remembers the people we've lost to coronavirus

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people in Greater Manchester.

As the death toll rises, it is important that we remember the human beings behind the figures.

The brothers, sisters, sons and daughters whose lives have been tragically cut short.

At the Manchester Evening News , we have vowed to pay tribute to every person we can in our region.

From the former wrestler who represented Team GB in the Commonwealth Games, to the security guard with a passion for Manchester United.

We want to remember people's stories.

We asked people to get in touch to pay tribute to their loved ones who died before their time.

And lots of people have been in touch.

Here are a few of the people in our region who have died after contracting Covid-19.

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Stanley Gilligan

Stanley was born in Salford, but lived in Fallowfield.

The 91-year-old died at Manchester Royal Infirmary on April 9.

He was married to Ellen and had four children - Pat, Joe, Chris and Paula. He had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His family said he was a keen swimmer into his eighties, and was a member of the YMCA.

In 1966, he represented Great Britain in the wrestling at the Commonwealth Games held in Jamaica.

Paying tribute, his family said: "He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply and sadly missed."

Dorothy Olive Manning

Dorothy, 89, from Wilmslow was the late wife of George, mother to Roger and Paul.

She was grandma to Katie, Daniel, Joshua and Tia and Great-Grandma to Jorja-Mae and Olivia-Rose.

She died at Eden Mansions nursing home on April 10.

From growing up in Hulme, Dorothy moved to Handforth with her husband George.

They both worked at the Royal School for the Deaf.

For the last seven years, Dorothy lived in Eden Mansions as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

She passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s and COVID-19.

Paying tribute, granddaughter Katie Manning said: "I am so heartbroken to have lost my grandma to COVID 19.

"I love you more than words can ever say. You’re my special grandma, until we meet again, good night, rest in peace love you with all my heart."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Colin Booth

Colin was a 'hardworking man' from Wythenshawe.

He had just got a new job and was looking forward to receiving his start date.

The 74-year-old loved baking and loved his family 'very, very much'.

He died on April 16 at Wythenshawe Hospital.

His family is made up of wife Elaine, daughter Karen and son-in-law Neil, son - Darren and daughter-in-law Melanie.

He also had grandchildren - Aimee-lee, Sam, Thomas, Charlie, Lyla, Molly, Luna.
Paying tribute, his loved ones said: "Nothing more sums him up than 'hero'.

"He would answer the phone to us and say 'Booths Taxis'. Colin we miss you dearly our lives will never be the same again."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

David Harrison

David from Wilmslow, was a truck driver for many years who loved his life on the road.

The 79-year-old had a huge passion for motorbikes - he travelled to Europe a few times and loved visiting Africa.

He had children - Roz, Graham and Julie, grandchildren - Stefan, Tiffany, Jake, Molly, Callum and Leah, and great-grandchildren - Freddie and Fearne.

His granddaughter Tiffany said: "Losing you to Covid-19 was never in the plan.

"After living with Alzheimer's for four years, this doesn't seem fair.

"You're loved and we will give you the best send off when allowed. Until we meet again. Love you always."

He passed away in the home that cared for him on April 4.

Joyce Harrison

Joyce, from Flixton, was daughter to mum Annie and her much loved father Albert.

She remained single, devoting her life to caring for her mother and supporting them following her father's early death.

She survived her sister Mildred who married a GI during the war and made a life over in the US - giving Joyce four wonderful nephews who have continued to enrich her life with their ever growing families.

She loved and bred wire fox terriers, opening a dog grooming salon to care for other beloved pets.

She went on to finish her service in the community at the first NHS hospital, Trafford General, where she was catering manager.

A fan of Gracie Fields, she loved to sing and baking was a favourite past time.

Joyce died aged 90 at Woodlands Hospital.

"The entire Ritter family and her friends Alison, Stewart, Janice and Libby will miss her dearly", Alison Hadley said.

David Worthington

David worked at Hyde Road bus depot for many years as a bus driver.

He loved watching Manchester United and he was a great dart player.

He loved being with all his family and friends and enjoyed a pint.

The 76-year-old, from Droylsden, died on April 17 at Stamford Unit, Tameside.

His family said: "Please say a big thank you to this unit and also Summer ward we will be forever grateful for all their kindness especially in David's final hours."

His family was made up of wife Cecelia, children Tommy, Kevin, Jason, Caroline and David, grandchildren Chloe, Adam, Ross, Luke, Leah, Caitlyn, Samantha and great-grandchildren Ruby and Freddie.

Children's partners, Nicola, Andrew, Nicky, Tanya. Brothers Billy, Terry and Terry's wife Tina. Sisters Ann and the late Christine.

His daughter Caroline said: "A loving husband, dad, grandad, great-grandad, brother, uncle, nephew and friend to many.

"He will be sadly missed and will always be in our hearts.

"I hope they have a dartboard up their dad and serve a good pint and that you have re-united with uncle Vinny and uncle Syd and your mum and dad and Christine."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Marie Murray

Marie Murray (Copyright unknown)

Marie was a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister who worked for many years as a machinist for businesses in Salford.

She liked to play darts and was a regular competitor in the Thursday night league.

Along with her late husband Keith, Marie travelled to destinations around the world often to visit family members abroad.

She was a mother to Rachel and grandmother to Josephine and Jake Adams, as well as being a sister to Frank, Kevin and Barrie, an aunt and even a great-aunt.

Marie died aged 68 on Good Friday, April 10, following six days as a patient at Salford Royal Hospital.

Her granddaughter, Josephine said: "Marie was one of them people you couldn’t help but like, she would help anyone she could and had the best advice.

"Marie is going to be missed dearly especially by her family and friends."

Her friend Lillian Fallows said: “I lost my sister today, not a birth sister but a sister nonetheless. A good and trusted friend and my partner in crime.

“For many years we have become a ‘pack of three’, Marie, Barrie and me, sadly that has gone forever.

“I'm really going to miss this girl, she's my confidante and my sounding board. We’ve been friends since the day we met – and that’s over fifty years.

“Marie you are one of a kind and it's been my privilege to know you. I hope you are reunited with Keith. I am going to miss you more than words can say.

“It's made worse because we never got the chance to say goodbye. This horrible virus has really hit home. Fly free lovely lady, we will all give you a good send off when all this is over.”

Albert Beckett

Albert Beckett, from Salford, died after contracting coronavirus (MEN)

Albert was part of a large family as the second youngest of seven siblings.

He spent most of his life living in Eccles and had two children, Ann and Anthony, as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At 92 years old, he spent the last six months of his life at Kenyon Lodge Care Home before passing away on April 3.

He was a keen fan of both Manchester United and Salford Red Devils, as well as having a love for watching cricket.

He also liked to go on days out and coach trips and was known for always having a smile on his face.

Paying tribute to him, a family member said: “We miss you so much, our hearts have been broken.

“Go now and be free, love you with all our hearts, until we meet again.”

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Frank Gilmore

Frank Gilmore (Copyright unknown)

Frank spent the majority of his life in Swinton and took on a number of jobs, including 25 years working at the Chloride.

He was a brother to Clara, John and Jane and the husband of Margaret.

He was also the father of Debbie and Alyson, father in law of Tony and Dave and grandfather of Matthew, Gareth, Laura and Liam.

Frank passed away on March 30 at Crumpsall Hospital.

He was a Manchester United fan and also followed Swinton Rugby Club, as well as enjoying cricket at Old Trafford.

He was a keen gardener too and, in his younger years, liked ballroom dancing. He loved listening to music and especially liked Frank Samatha, Tony Bennett and Jazz music.

Frank’s family said: “Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone, and no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.

“Our hearts ache with sadness and many tears still flow, what it means to lose you, no one will ever know.

“Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.

“There will always be a heartache, and often silent tears, but always precious memories of the days when you were here.

“If tears could make a staircase and heartache make a lane, we’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.

“We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

“Our family chain is broken now, and nothing will be the same. But as god calls us one by one, the chain will link again. RIP Dad We will love and miss you forever. All our love From Alyson, Debbie & Tony And your grandchildren Matthew, Gareth, Laura, and Liam.”

Ellen Sherry

Ellen Sherry (MEN)

Ellen was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, but moved to Salford many years ago with her late husband Eddie.

They never had a family of their own but Ellen treated each of her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children.

They lived in Enid Street for many years before moving to Lower Broughton.

Most recently Ellen was living in Kenyon Lodge Care Home, where she passed away on April 11, aged 92.

In tribute to her, a family member said: "Aunty Ellie will be sadly missed very much by her sister-in-law Mary McLoughlin and also all her nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces and by everyone who loved her."

Frank Gordon

Frank Gordon (MEN)

Frank was husband to Kathleen Gordon and father to Nicola, Michael and Peter. He had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was born in Tallentire, Cumbria, but moved to Bolton at two years old.

When he was younger he worked on a farm, a job which he loved, and later he worked at both Asda and Tesco and was a well-respected member of staff.

He was passionate about golf and snooker and played in many different places alongside lifelong friends Noddy and Ken.

Frank enjoyed walks around Rivington and was had such a love for music and singing that he would burst into song whenever he felt like it.

He passed away at the Royal Bolton Hospital on April 9, aged 73.

A family member said: "Frank was a great man, a true gent and a legend to those who knew him and his name will be kept alive by those who loved him.

"Rest in peace, until we meet again."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Paul Audrey

Paul was brought up in Ordsall and worked as a carer at a home in Eccles.

He died aged just 59 at Salford Royal Hospital on April 17.

Paul was well-known around the Ordsall area and was popular because of his great sense of humour.

He was a father and had three sisters and one brother.

Following his death, a family friend said: "It’s just a massive shock for all of your many friends, your partner Tina and your children.

"It is just so cruel that none of your friends will be at your funeral but you were that well known that they will line up, keeping their distance, while you pass to your final resting place.

"We are all going to miss you. What a man."

Terrence Hodgkinson

Terrance Hodgkinson (Copyright unknown)

Terrance lived in Hindley Green in Wigan and was a keen fisherman and member of the Labour Party for years.

He sadly passed away at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary aged 78.

Terrance was a loving husband to Eunice, dad to Nadine and Stuart and granddad to Jemma, Liam, Anni and Cerys. He was father-in-law to Stephen and Ceri, and brother, uncle and friend to many.

Paying tribute, his family said: "We will never forget what this dreadful COVID-19 has done to our family.

"We did not get to see you the last three weeks of your life and cannot thank the staff that care for you.

"Whoever was with you at the end we would like to thank."

Jean Wallace

Jean Wallace (Copyright unknown)

Jean was born and raised in Salford and was a mum to seven children and a grandmother to many more.

She left five generations of family behind when she passed away at Abbey Grove Care home in Salford on 16th April, aged 92.

Jean was a machinist in her early teens until meeting her husband John, who sadly passed away in 1994.

Jean spent a lot of time with her family, caring for them all over the years.

In later life, she loved going to the rainbow rooms and enjoyed going to see the Halle Orchestra, especially last night of the proms.

Paying tribute, her family said: "Jean will be sadly missed by her family and friends whom loved her dearly.

"You are forever in our hearts. Hope you're back with your John.

"We would also like to thank all the carers at Abbey Grove for the exceptional care and love given."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Samuel Clarke

Samuel Clarke (Copyright unknown)

Samuel lived in Rusholme for many years before moving to Fallowfield. He was a massive Manchester City fan and enjoyed a pint or two with the gang at St Kentigerns.

He passed away at Manchester Royal Infirmary on April 8, aged 79.

Samuel was a husband to Patricia, dad to Colin, David, Paul and Heather. He was a brother to Freddie, Brian and Margaret.

He had 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Samuel was a popular figure down at the Old Manchester City Social Club in Rusholme and St Crispins on Lloyd Street.

Paying tribute his family said: "Sam loved parties, recently celebrating his and Pat's 60th wedding anniversary together.

"He loved telling funny/ wild stories to the family and especially the grandchildren in his many accents.

"He will be massively missed by all the family and all that knew him."

Colin Dorward

Colin Doward (Copyright unknown)

Colin lived in Middleton and worked in warehouses most of his life. He passed away at home on March 29 aged 60.

He was the beloved son of his late parents Ethel and David Dorward. He was a dad, granddad and much loved partner to Denise.

Colin was a much loved brother and friend to many.

He went to St Mary's School then Bishop Marshalls. He started working at 16 but had to finish work at 55 with lung cancer.

Colin had a CT scan at the beginning of March and there were no traces of cancer, his family say.

He was due to go on holiday in June with partner Denise.

Paying tribute, his sister Sheila said: "Colin you did not die alone, I was with you all the time, your loving sister Sheila.

"Much missed by your brothers and sisters."

Joan Carney

Joan Carney (Copyright unknown)

Joan lived in Audenshaw. She passed away at Tameside Hospital on April 18, aged 84.

She leaves behind three children, Phil, Claire, Colin and eight grandchildren, Stacey, Jamie, Scott, Kirsty, Niall, Teeghan, Tyler, Beth and 10 great grandchildren.

Joan was brought up in a little village called Kells which is in Kilkenny in Southern Ireland.

She started school at the age of five and left at the age of 13 to get a job childminding children.

Joan worked in a few different shops before she began training as a nurse, and later as a psychiatric nurse.

She then moved to Manchester and loved visiting Blackpool for holiday and would go at least three times a year.

Paying tribute, her family said: "Joan was loved by everyone and always managed to bring a smile to the family's faces. She will be missed by everyone."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Elaine Fogg

Elaine Fogg (Copyright unknown)

Elaine lived in Bolton with her husband Anthony. She passed away at Royal Bolton Hospital on April 15 aged 66.

She was a mother to Steven, Samantha, Simon and Melanie, who sadly died in 2006. Her grandchildren were Sophie, Grace, Johnny and Rebecca and she was a sister to Jeanette.

Elaine was born in Swinton and left school at 14 to work at Burton's as a machinist.

She met her beloved husband Anthony aged 17 and four children arrived after their marriage in 1973.

Elaine later worked at Pilkinton's Tile Factory and Colgate - Palmolive.

Her hobbies included listening to rave music, swimming and collecting antiques, but her first and only love was her husband Tony.

Paying tribute, her daughter Samantha said: "Just another statistic to the government but to us a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, great aunt, grandmother and role model and friend.

"I am missing that tough cookie with a smart sense of humour already.

"Rest in peace mum."

Judith Hopper

Judith Hopper (Copyright unknown)

Judith lived in Ashton-under-Lyne and previously worked at St James School.

She sadly passed away at Tameside Hospital on April 4, aged 72.

Judith leaves behind her husband Alan, son Paul and grandchildren Archie and Evie.

Paying tribute, her family said: "Judith will be missed by family and friends. She was warm hearted, loving, caring and her smile will be surely missed."

John Hyde

John Hyde (Copyright unknown)

John lived in Ordsall in Salford. He passed away at Salford Royal Hospital on April 22, aged 81.

He leaves behind two daughters Susan and Lillian and son Derek. He was granddad to Jake, and great granddad to Gracie.

His beloved wife of over 50 years Madge sadly passed away in 2014.

John was a gas engineer for many years and was known in the trade as "bluey" after the famous detective show.

He took early retirement and became an avid grown green bowler.

Paying tribute, daughter Lillian said: "A lovely man and a real character who loved to socialise. Sadly missed by us all.

"Rest in peace and be reunited with your beloved Madge xxx."

Anthony Slack

Anthony Slack (Copyright unknown)

Anthony lived in Denton and was a dedicated public servant. He passed away at Tameside Hospital, aged 85.

He was the son of Harry and Mary Slack and sister to Malvena. He was husband of 64 years to June, dad to Stephen, Sharon, Melinda and father-in-law to Susan, Donald and Ian.

Anthony was granddad to Steven, Daniel, Amy, Thomas, Kenny and Sam, and great granddad to Caine, Abbey, Emily-Grace, Harrison, Logan, Maisie, Camyrn and Harrison.

Anthony joined Tameside MBC when it formed in 1974 and worked for many years as a grants officer. He remained in the Environmental Health Sector until retirement.

He was a member of the labour party all his adult life and Chair of Denton East Labour Group and governor at St Anne's School in Denton for many years. He was a dedicated Freemason for over forty years, with charitable causes dear to his heart.

Anthony loved to enjoy the company of his family and friends and loved the Lake District where he had a caravan for many years.

He also loved to holiday in Cornwall and North Wales where he brought back plants that wouldn't normally grow in a Tameside climate, but as a keen gardener he developed his quarter acre garden into an exotic paradise.

Paying tribute, his daughter Sharon said: "Our dad had a rich but unassuming life. His family was everything to him and he gave his time and counsel freely.

"I will miss sitting with him in his garden and just talking about anything and everything, listening to his jokes or just planning when we could meet up on his next trip to the lakes of Llandudno.

"He was kind and generous and unique and loved by all those that knew him. RIP Tony Slack, my wonderful dad."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Georgina Lamb

Georgina Lamb (Copyright unknown)

Georgina, known as Jean, lived in Salford all her 80 years and was a good friend to everyone. She passed away at Salford Royal Hospital on April 2.

She was the wife of late Alan Lamb for sixty years and mum to daughters Karon, Beverley, and Alison. She was mum-in-law to Stuart and Steve and nanna to Rebecca, Aaron, Beth, Jacob, Jessica and Lauren, and great nanna to Frankie.

Jean grew up in Weaste where she lived with her parents James and Cath and her five sisters and one brother.

She had various jobs and when she was in her 40s trained for her City and Guilds and became a cook at Salford Technical College.

In her early years she was a brilliant swimmer and represented her country.

She travelled with her husband to Spain, Yugoslavia, and visited her family in the USA. In her 70s she joined the local curling club in Wardley and also enjoyed a game of Bingo and loved singing.

Paying tribute, her daughter Alison said: "We miss our mum so much. She had COPD and had fought it so bravely to stay with us and with such dignity, strength and humour.

"It broke our hearts for her to lose her life in this way - but we are thankful for the amazing NHS staff of ward B6 in Salford Royal Hospital who cared and looked after her in her final hours when we couldn't be there.

"Especially nurse Amy who sat and held her hand - god bless you all from Georgina's family."

Graham Morgan

Graham Morgan (Copyright unknown)

Graham lived in Salford and passed away on April 19 at Kenyon Lodge care home in Walkden, aged 81.

He had six children, Jane, Louise, Paula, Steven, Peter and Davied. He had grandchildren Kimberley, Cheryl, Tracey, Danielle, Samantha, Harrison as well as great grandchildren.

Graham loved going visit new places loved painting and making people laugh.

Paying tribute, his granddaughter Kimberley said: "Our dad/granddad sadly lost his life to coronavirus while in a care home in Walkden.

"He suffered with dementia and lost his mortality two years ago.

"He was a strong, caring and loving guy who always made our day. Now he's finally with my mum/nana no longer in pain.

"We will truly miss you dad, piece of my heart went the day you passed.

"To a lovely dad and grandpa you will be sadly missed in this lifetime you took part of my heart with you when you took your last breath.

"RIP dad you will always be sadly missed and loved always xxx."

If you have a loved one that you want to pay tribute to - fill the form in here.

Pat Sharkey

Pat Sharkey (Copyright unknown)

Pat lived in Failsworth with her beloved husband Steve. She passed away at Royal Oldham Hospital aged 68.

She was a mum to Lee, Marc and Faye and grandma to Dylan, Kane, Colton, Milly and Scarlett.

Pat was a retired machinist who loved knitting, sewing, dressmaking and reading.

She loved holidays, socialising, and days out. Her favourite holidays were to Benidorm and Portugal.

Paying tribute, her husband Steve said: "My darling wife I love you so much good night until we meet again."

Sharon McGillivray

Sharon McGillivray (Copyright unknown)

Sharon lived in Blackley and was a life long member of the girl guide movement.

She passed away at North Manchester Hospital on April 7, aged 64.

Sharon was the beloved mum of Lisa, Leann and Richard, as well as treasured nanna of Alex, Finlay and Linby. She was the daughter of Pauline and the late Ron.

She was also a special mother in law, auntie, great auntie and special step nanna to the Shah children.

Sharon was an avid girl guide and ended her time with them as brown owl at the Church of Apostle in Miles Platting.

She previously worked in a cotton mill after leaving school as well as a variety of other jobs.

Paying tribute, her daughter Lisa said: "A beautiful lady who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her."

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