The Chronicle has published its weekly selection of death and funeral announcements, with families paying tribute to loved ones from across the North East. Every notice also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk, the UK's number one site for death notices and memoriams, where each tribute remains online forever.
Readers can add their own memories, photographs and donations to an online tribute page, or create a funeral notice by calling 01482 908084. The following are among the notices published earlier this week.
Death notices this week
- Robert Cowan (Bob) Ashburn, of Seaton Delaval, died peacefully at home on 17th July aged 93. He was the dearly loved husband of the late Isabel, a dear dad to Bobby, Ian, Derek and Diane, a much loved grandad and great-grandad, and brother of Margaret. A service will be held at St Mary's Church, Holywell on Monday 3rd August at 1.00pm, followed by interment at Earsdon Cemetery. Refreshments at Seaton Terrace Club. Flowers can be sent via Melrose Funeral Services.
- Micheal Barrass died peacefully on 12th July in Scotland, aged 73. He was the beloved husband of Lesley McConnell, brother to David, and devoted grandfather to Jordan, Connor, Thalia, Findlay, Keagan and Aaron. He served as a police officer.
- David Broughton died peacefully at home with his family by his side on 17th July, aged 60. He was the beloved husband of Marie, dad to Emma, Michael and Mark, father-in-law of Martin, son of Joan and Peter, and brother of Denise and Lynn. Service at West Road Cemetery Chapel on Monday 3rd August at 12.45pm, followed by interment at West Road Cemetery. Flowers or donations to Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Royal Marine Association.
- Marion Day (née Auty) of Darras Hall, formerly of South Shields, died peacefully in Ponteland Manor Care Home on 22nd July 2026 aged 93. She was the beloved wife of the late Brian, mum of Philip, mother-in-law of Helen, sister of the late Vivienne, cousin of Dorothy and aunt to Ian, Keith, Alan, Susan, Christopher and Alison. A celebration of life will be held at South Shields Crematorium on Tuesday 4th August 2026 at 11.15am. Donations may go to Alzheimer's Research.
- Karen Dixon died peacefully at home on 22nd July 2026 surrounded by her family after a short illness, aged 62. She was mam to Michael, Kelly, Hayley and Lynsey, daughter of Jimmy and the late Betty, sister to Lisa and Jimmy, and a dear nana. Service and cremation at Saltwell Crematorium on Wednesday 5th August at 1.45pm. Family flowers only, donations may be made at the service.
- Phillip Dodds died peacefully in hospital with his family by his side on 15th July 2026 aged 56. He was a fantastic husband to Elaine, son of Jean and Jimmy, brother to Gary, father to Jamie and Christopher, stepfather to Leah-Marie, Kieron, Aimee and Megan, and a much loved grandad. Funeral at Cowpen Crematorium, Blyth on Monday 3rd August at 10am. Family flowers only, donations to Ward 4 NSECH.
- Hugh Boyd Duncan of Cramlington, formerly Byker, died on 11th July 2026 aged 77. He was husband of Sandra, father of Claire and Philip, father-in-law to Andrew and Victoria, grandad of Jake, Joe, Rosie and Harry, and brother of Ronnie. Service at West Road Crematorium on Tuesday 4th August at 11.15am. Family flowers only, donations to Dementia UK and Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Mourners are asked to wear black and white or Toon tops. Refreshments at Benedictine Social Club, Cramlington.
- Joseph Robert Francis died on 12th July 2026 aged 83. He was loved by his late wife Eileen, daughter Deborah, son Garry, brothers Frank, Lawrence, Jimmy and sister Edna. Service at St Patrick's Church, Felling, Gateshead on Monday 3rd August at 12pm.
- Trevor Goddard died on 8th July 2026 after a short illness in Barnsley Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary, father of Ian, Anthony, Judith and Stuart. Cremation at Barnsley Crematorium on 6th August at 1.30pm. Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research UK. A live link will be available for those unable to attend.
- Ray Joyce of Tynemouth died on Saturday 18th July 2026 at North Tyneside General Hospital, aged 89. He was devoted to his late wife Betty, father to Janet, and a proud grandad and great-grandad. Service at Holy Saviour's Church, Tynemouth on Thursday 6th August at 10.00am, then Preston Cemetery. Donations to North East Air Ambulance.
- James Ernest Gordon McNichol died on 14th July 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He was a dear husband to Elizabeth, dad to Beck and the late Jane, grandad to Emma and Max, brother to Beryl, and father-in-law to Alan and the late John. Service at Saltwell Crematorium on Wednesday 5th August 2026 at 12.00pm. Donations may be made to The Royal British Legion.
- Frances McParlin (née Gleeson) of Morpeth, formerly Jarrow, died peacefully on 15th July in Northlands Care Home aged 97. She was the beloved wife of the late James, mam of Peter and Michael, mother-in-law of Cath and grandmother of Luke. Requiem Mass at St Robert's RC Church, Morpeth on Thursday 6th August at 10am, followed by cremation at Northumberland Woodland Crematorium at 11.15am. Family flowers only, donations to CAFOD.
- Leonie (Lee) Menzies (21/08/1943 – 24/07/2026) died after a sudden short illness at the Freeman Hospital, aged 82, with her children Mario, Nadia and Carla by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Maurice, a treasured mam, nana and great-grandmother. A private celebration of her life will be held in line with her family's wishes.
- Ann Patterson (née Halliday) of Gateshead died peacefully in the Chesters Care Home on 21st July 2026, aged 90. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence, mam of Larry and Suzanne, and nana of Danielle, Jon, Richard and Paul. Service at Saltwell Crematorium on Wednesday 29th July 2026 at 1.45pm. Family flowers only, donations to the Alzheimer's Society. Bright colours requested.
- Ruth Phillips (née Gallagher) of Kenton died on 18th July 2026 aged 87. She was the beloved wife of the late Pat, mam to Janice, mother-in-law to Steve, nana to Carly and Scott, James and Hannah, and great-nana to Thea and Ruby. Service at West Road Crematorium at 12 noon on 5th August. Family flowers only.
- Raymond Phipps of Howdon, also known as Raymond Robinson, died suddenly at home on 7th July, aged 38. He was a dearly loved dad of Tayla-Rae, Raymond and Roman, son of Tonia, stepson to David, Ronnie and Lorna, brother of David, Thomas, Shannon and Donna. Service at Tynemouth Crematorium on Thursday 30th July at 11.15am. Family flowers only, donations to the Epilepsy Society. Newcastle United shirts appreciated.
- Carol Redpath of Birtley died peacefully with her family by her side on 17th July 2026, aged 83. She was the beloved wife of the late Bob, mam of Tracy and the late Krith, Darren and Julie, and a loving grandma and great-grandma. Service at Birtley Crematorium on Wednesday 6th August 2026 at 12 noon.
- Enid Richardson of Shiremoor died suddenly in Kingfisher Care Home on 16th July 2026 aged 94. She was the wife of the late Ernest, mam of Yvonne, Christine and Antony, and a dear mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. Service at Whitley Bay Crematorium on Monday 3rd August 2026 at 3pm. Family flowers only, donations to the British Heart Foundation.
- Cuthbert William (Bill) Ridley of Prudhoe died peacefully in hospital on 24 July 2026 aged 95. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret, dad of Moira, Patricia, Barbara, Lisa and the late Sarah, and a much loved grandad and great-grandad. Service at Our Lady and St Cuthbert Catholic Church, Prudhoe on Thursday 6 August at 11am, followed by cremation at Mountsett Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations to the Spina Bifida Association (SHINE).
- Robert Patton Ryan died on 27 July 2026 aged 95. He was the beloved husband of Catherine and father of Jeanne, Thomas and John, with ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private funeral will be held in Yvoire, Haute Savoie, France.
- Ann Scott (née Sprot) of Monkseaton died suddenly at home on Saturday 18th July after a short illness. She was the beloved wife of Graham and a dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt and great aunt. Service at St Mary's Church, Belford on Thursday 6th August at 2.30pm, followed by a private family burial. Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research UK, St Oswald's Hospice and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
- Antony (Tony) Smith of Ashington, formerly of West Jesmond and Houghton-le-Spring, died peacefully on 19th July, aged 59. He was a much loved son to Sylvia and the late Jim, brother to David, brother-in-law to Angela, and an uncle and great-uncle. Service at Cowpen Crematorium on 3rd August at 11.30am. Family flowers only, donations to The Stroke Association.
- Henry Roland (Harry) Surtees died peacefully on 6th July 2026, aged 92. He was the devoted husband of Jean and beloved dad of Caroline, the late John, the late Helen, and Alison. Funeral at St Mary's Church, Barnard Castle on Wednesday 5th August 2026 at 1.00pm.
- Jake Surtees of Dunston died unexpectedly on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 aged 25. He was a much loved son of Gary and Caroline, brother of Graham, Liam, Callum, Nathan and Matty, grandson of Les and Brigid and the late Noreen and George, uncle of Freya and Luca, and partner of Courtney. Service on Thursday 6th August at Saltwell Crematorium at 1.45pm. Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research UK.
- Barbara Mary Thompson (O'Shea) died on 17th July 2026 aged 76. Her heartbroken family said she is now in God's care, reunited with their parents and sisters Maureen and Anne.
- Valerie (Nana Val) Topping (née Lowdon) died suddenly on 13th July. She was a much loved mam to Kevin and Mark, mother-in-law to Joanne and Jan, and cherished nana and great-nana. The family thanked everyone for their condolences and held her remembrance privately.
- Margery Turner (née Tait) of Cramlington died peacefully at home on 19th July, aged 84. She was the dearly loved wife of the late Derek, mam of Diane, mother-in-law to Gerry, grandma of Jessica, great-grandma of Ayda, and sister of George. Service at Blyth Crematorium on Tuesday 4th August at 11.30am. Family flowers only, donations to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
- Leslie Ward of Catchgate died on 11th July aged 80. He was the loving husband of the late Pauline, father of Leslie Kenneth Ward, father-in-law to Jane Davey, and brother of Alan, James and Doreen. Service at Mountsett Crematorium on Monday 3rd August at 10.15am. Family flowers only, donations to Willow Burn Hospice.
- Edward (Ed) White of West Denton died unexpectedly in the Freeman Hospital on 22nd July 2026 aged 76. He was the beloved husband of Christine, dad of Graham and Suzanne, brother of Margaret and John, and a dear friend to many, especially his running community. He was a member of the All-Runners Club for the Great North Run and a founding member of the Town Moor Bench Runners. Service at West Road Crematorium on Thursday 6th August 2026 at 1.30pm. Family flowers only, donations to the British Heart Foundation. Running kit welcome.
- Edith (Edie) Wilkinson of Carr Hill, Gateshead died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on 15th July, aged 92. She was the beloved wife of Tommy, mam of Linda and the late Sandra, adored nanna of Sonya and Darren, and great-nanna of Louise, Lauren and Lily. Service at Saltwell Crematorium on Thursday July 30th at 3.15pm. Family flowers only, donations to Breast Cancer UK. All welcome at the Cosmic Social.
- Carol Wilson of Blaydon died peacefully at home on 22nd July 2026, aged 77. She was the devoted wife of Barrie, mam of Chris and mother-in-law to Annett. Service at Mountsett Crematorium on Wednesday 5th August 2026 at 2.45pm. Family flowers only, donations for Ward 8 at the QE Hospital.
In memoriams
Families also marked anniversaries and fond memories with the following tributes.
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- Pauline Callanan is remembered 10 years after her death by her husband Bill, granddaughter Jayde, son Jason and family, and great-grandchildren Harper and Lindin. A message from her son Jason, partner Sharon, twins Paul and Kim and family said she is loved and missed forever.
- Donald Cassells of Morpeth is remembered on the anniversary of his death on 25 July 2025, along with his daughter Janine Pamela Turnbull, who died on 4 August 2025. The tribute marks their lasting joy and the memories they left behind.
- Edna May Dreyer of Guidepost is remembered two years on, with love from Irene, the late Eric, Julie and family.
- Jaimie Hetherington is remembered as 'Our Beautiful Daddy in Heaven' by his twins Oliver and Elliot-Joe and wife Kay, who said he is watching over them until they meet again.
- Tony Pyle is remembered in multiple messages, including from his sister Debs and family, his mother, and his sister Kelly and her family. A message from Taylor and Libby reads 'Love you, Dad.'
Birthday memoriams
Several families marked what would have been birthdays this week.
- Mary Elizabeth Armstrong would have turned 60, with a message from Mam, Dad and Sarah sending birthday love.
- Hughie Boyd of High Heaton is remembered on his birthday by John, who sends best wishes.
- Ron Cuthbertson of Bensham is remembered on his birthday by Marjorie and family.
- Joanne Sayers is remembered on her birthday by Margaret, Sarah and Joseph.
- Irene (Issi) Smart is remembered on her birthday by her husband Lar, their children Alan and Andrea, grandchildren Dean, Becky, Jess and Sophie, and great-grandchild Theo.
- Dennis William Spence would have been 37, the ninth birthday without him. His family send love from his heartbroken mam, dad and family, and mention his girls Sammy-Jo and Tilly-Ann.
How to add a tribute
To read the latest announcements, add tributes or create a funeral notice, visit funeral-notices.co.uk or call 01482 908084. Every notice published in The Chronicle and on the website remains online permanently.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
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