The Liverpool ECHO has this week published tributes and funeral notices for 20 people, including a former Sefton mayor, a well-known barber and a recent university graduate. The notices appear in the print edition and on the funeral-notices.co.uk partner website.
Former mayor and barber remembered
Maureen Fearn, from Southport, passed away peacefully at Southport Hospital on Saturday 29th August 2026, aged 97. She was a local councillor, magistrate and three-time Mayor of Sefton, described as "truly devoted to public service." Her funeral service and committal will take place at Southport Crematorium on Monday 21st September 2026 at 11:00am.
Ernie (The Legend) Axworthy died on 22nd August 2026 aged 82. He served as a barber on Park Road for many years and was a beloved husband, dad and grandad. His service will be held at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church on Wednesday 16th September 2026 at 9.00am, followed by cremation at Springwood Crematorium.
Recent graduate and devoted family members
Marc Dos Santons Varela, who graduated in Criminology and Psychology from John Moore's University this year in July, has died. His family hopes to take him back to Portugal, their place of birth, and a gofundme page has been set up to help bring him home.
Debra Joyce (Debz) Lees, aged 65, has died and will be reunited with her beloved husband Keith. A funeral service will be held at St Cuthbert's Church, Croxteth, on Monday 21st September 2026 at 1:15pm, followed by cremation at Anfield Crematorium. The family has asked attendees to wear a splash of purple.
Dates and donations
Other notices include Edward Atkinson, whose Requiem Mass will take place on 17th September at St Marie's Church, Standish; John Barratt, aged 94, whose funeral will be at St Anne's Church, Aigburth Road, on 17th September; and Veronica Bird, aged 92, whose celebration of life will be held on 18 September at Saint Philomena's Church, Liverpool.
Mary (Jane) Blake, aged 77, died at Southport Hospital on Tuesday 1st September 2026. James (Jim) Coan, aged 65, passed away on 26th August 2026. Jean Margaret Dottie, aged 89, passed away peacefully. Ann (Little Ann) Edwards (Powell) died peacefully on Sunday 30th August 2026. William James Frederick Gollins died peacefully in hospital on 27th August 2026, aged 83.
Thomas Kelly, aged 89, was remembered as "a true Gentleman" whose Christmas tree brightened up many hearts at Gordon Drive. Frances Lilian Kelly, aged 90, passed away at home on 5th September 2026. Anita Joslin Kelly died peacefully at Whiston Hospital on August 21st 2026, aged 85. Gordon Lee has died and will be "back in the arms of his son Robert."
Muriel Elizabeth Lythgoe, aged 94, passed away peacefully on 21st August 2026. James Peter (Jamie) Maloney passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Julie McMurray (Meagher), aged 81, died on Saturday 22nd August 2026. Beverley Jane McQuilliam passed away peacefully in her sleep, and her funeral will take place on Wednesday 16th September at Sacred Heart Church.
Donations are being requested for charities including the British Heart Foundation, Queenscourt Hospice, North West Air Ambulance, Roy Castle, Derian House Children's Hospice, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the Stroke Association. The full list of family announcements is available at funeral-notices.co.uk.
