The music world is mourning the loss of Lorna Spode, who has died aged 98 after a long battle with dementia. The founder of the acclaimed Lorna Spode Consult and award-winning musician succumbed to a chest infection on January 10, just shy of her 99th birthday.
Her legacy includes leading the Lorna Spode Consult to become BBC Radio Stoke's Champion Choir and clinching victory at the Blackpool Music Festival over a span of four decades. Lorna leaves behind her husband Ken, whom she wed in 1953, and together they celebrated their 71st anniversary last June.
Ken is set to reach his centenary this March. The couple's family extends to two children, three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
A self-taught musical talent, Lorna started giving lessons and formed her own choir. Her funeral arrangements are scheduled for later this month.
In a heartfelt tribute, Lorna's daughter Angela shared the impact of dementia on her mother's life: "She got dementia just when everything had settled down with Covid. She realised she was forgetting things. After the diagnosis she started to decline quite quickly really," reports the Mirror.
Angela spoke of the family's preparedness for the loss, having witnessed Lorna's rapid deterioration: "It's been hard, but in a way we were ready for it. We've been seeing mum every day and we've seen her rapid decline. For a couple of weeks before, she didn't know anyone."
Angela also reflected on her mother's modest beginnings and her innate musical gift, which emerged as she began playing piano at the tender age of five.
Lorna, a well-known musician in the Stoke-on-Trent area, was known for her strict rules when it came to her choir. Her daughter Angela revealed: "If you weren't any good, you wouldn't get in!" Speaking to StokeonTrentLive, Angela described her mother as a strong and opinionated woman who ruled the roost alongside her father.
She said: "She was quite strict, but always fair with us. She knew how to get what she wanted out of you!" The family is currently supporting Lorna's husband Ken, who is understandably distraught.
Despite her declining health, Lorna continued to entertain her fellow care home residents until her passing. Angela shared that her mother had few interests outside of music, but she cherished her family above all else.
She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones on day trips and holidays. Although not particularly fond of dining out, Lorna would make an exception if it meant spending time with her family.
Angela also shared fond memories of her mother picking blackberries in the local woods during the summer. In honour of Lorna's memory, the family has requested donations be made to the Dogs for Good charity.
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