Every day the Manchester Evening News print edition carries tributes and funeral notices for those who have lost a loved one recently. It gives people a chance to celebrate the lives of family and friends and pay respects to the health and care teams who looked after them, as well as alerting the community to details of funerals, fundraising and flowers. Full family announcements can be found on the Manchester Evening News section of funeral-notices.co.uk. Here are some of the notices published in the paper over the last week.
Patricia Collins and Brenda Ellidge
Patricia Collins, known as Pat, passed away peacefully at Springhill Hospice on 21 July 2026 at the age of 77. She was the much-loved wife of the late John, loving mum of Sam and Rick, and devoted nan to Evie. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. The funeral service will be held at Rochdale Crematorium on Tuesday 11 August at 1.00pm. Family flowers only please; donations if desired to Springhill Hospice. Enquiries to Bridgefold Funeral Service, Tel 01706 639941.
Brenda Ellidge, aged 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday 16 July 2026 at Riverside Nursing Home, Littleborough. Much loved mum to Kris and Janet, mother-in-law to Phil. Dearest nan to her beloved grandchildren and Nana Bic Bic to her great grandchildren. The funeral service will take place at Rochdale Crematorium on Thursday 6 August 2026 at 2:00pm. Donations in loving memory of Brenda, if so desired, to Dementia UK. Enquiries to Rochdale Funeralcare, 01706 653622.
Keith Forge and Teresa Gettings
Keith Stephen Forge passed away on 3 July 2026, aged 62. A much-loved dad, grandad, brother, son, uncle and friend. Funeral service on Tuesday 21 July at St Cross Church, 12:00 noon, followed by interment at Phillips Park Cemetery at 1:15pm. Family and friends welcome afterwards at The Sheldon Arms. Dress code: Jeans and a Black T-shirt.
Teresa Gettings died peacefully at home on 11 July 2026, fortified by the rites of holy mother church, surrounded by her loving family, formerly of Baguley. Dearly loved wife of Richard, much loved mummy of Mary, Helen and Mags, treasured nana of James, Jennifer, Keith, Edward and Ronan (R.I.P.), and great grandma of Orla-Jane. Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Floatshall Road, Baguley on Monday 27 July at 11:30am, followed by committal at Manchester Crematorium. At Teresa's request no black clothing; please wear suitable attire with a touch of green. No flowers, but donations to Macmillan Cancer Support. Enquiries to Eamonn A. Kennedy Funeral Directors, 390 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ, Tel. 0161 945 2097.
Irene Handley and Jeffrey Higham
Irene Handley died peacefully on 15 July 2026 at Glan Clwyd Hospital aged 73, of Bryn Helyg, Abergele, formerly of Manchester. Beloved wife and best friend of David, loving mum to Lisa and Matthew, proud nana to Astrid and Sebastian. Service at St. Asaph Crematorium on Friday 31 July at 12.00pm. Family flowers only, donations to St. Kentigern Hospice c/o R W Roberts and Son, Plas Tirion, Kinmel Avenue, Abergele, LL22 7LW, Tel: 01745 827777.
Jeffrey Higham died peacefully at his home in Stoneclough on 11 July 2026, aged 85. Beloved husband of Jennifer, much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Funeral service at St Thomas & St John Church, Radcliffe on Monday 27 July at 11am, followed by interment at Fox Covert Cemetery, Warrington at 1pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Salvation Army via Silletts Funeral Service, Spring Lane, Radcliffe, M26 2TQ or online at www.sillettsfunerals.co.uk.
Grant Kempson and Donald Malloch
Grant Kempson passed away suddenly on 7 July 2026, aged 62. Much loved husband of Ruth, adored dad to Georgie, Freddie, Millie, Evie, Natasha and Jenna, proud grandad and great grandad. Last respects by appointment at Signature Funeral Home, Ramsbottom. Donations for a memorial bench via Signature Funerals website. Celebration of life details to follow.
Donald Francis Cullen Malloch died on 16 July 2026 in Middleton, Manchester, aged 86. Born in Ashton under Lyne, moved to Middleton upon marriage. Lovingly remembered by Gill, his wife of sixty years, three daughters and five grandchildren. Funeral at Middleton Crematorium on Wednesday 29 July at 11:30am. Donations to The Stroke Association c/o Paul Green Funeral Service, 25 Townley Street, Middleton M24 1AT, Tel 0161 653 6242.
June Moriarty and Karen Smith
June Moriarty (née Leach) passed away peacefully at Bury Hospice on 9 July 2026 aged 92. Wife of the late Chris, mum of Steven, mother-in-law to Annette, devoted grandma, great-grandma, sister and auntie. Funeral at St John with St Mark's Church, Bury on Friday 7 August at 10.15am, followed by interment at Bury Cemetery. Family flowers only; donations to Bury Hospice. Enquiries to Bernadette Gibson Funeral Director, Fairfield House Funeral Home, 289 Rochdale Old Road, Bury, BL9 7SA, Tel: 0161 761 6214.
Karen Elizabeth Smith passed away peacefully on 7 July 2026 after a long illness bravely fought, aged 69. Beloved wife of Nigel, mum of Anthony, mother-in-law to Donna, devoted grandma to Ellie. Private family service on 31 July, followed by celebration of life at Radcliffe Masonic Hall, 110 Bury New Road, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6QU at 1.30pm. Donations to The Christie. Enquiries to Bernadette Gibson as above.
Kathleen Smith and Mary Tierney
Kathleen Smith (Kath) died peacefully on 13 July 2026, aged 91. Much loved wife of the late Ian, loving mum to Mike, Andy, Dave and Sue, devoted gran. Funeral at Rochdale Crematorium on Wednesday 5 August at 11.30am. Colourful clothing requested. Family flowers only; donations to Springhill Hospice or Cancer Research UK c/o Dixons Funeral Service, 2 Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 4HY, Tel 01706 645501.
Mary Tierney died peacefully on 10 July 2026, fortified by the rites of holy mother church, of Old Trafford, Manchester, formerly of Rathurles, Co. Tipperary, aged 93. Beloved wife of the late Christopher R.I.P. Loving mum of Geraldine and James. Requiem Mass at St Alphonsus RC Church, Ayres Road, Old Trafford on Friday 31 July at 10:00am, prior to interment at Stretford Cemetery. Funeral Mass viewable on P. Loftus Facebook page. No donations, flowers welcome. Enquiries to P. Loftus and Son, 263 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton, M21 7GJ, Tel. 861-9336.
Terence Woolfenden
Terence (Terry) Woolfenden departed peacefully on 18 July 2026, aged 81. Reunited with his parents Nellie and Arnold. Beloved husband to Margaret, devoted father to Tracy and Nicola, cherished grandfather to Demi, Alfie, Ruby and Nikkita, father-in-law to Kev and Matty. A skilled joiner, he took pride in his work, happiest tending his garden or sharing a laugh. Known for his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humour. Funeral at Rochdale Crematorium on Thursday 6 August at 11.30am, followed by refreshments. All are welcome. "A gentle man with a kind heart, a ready smile and a joke for every occasion - his warmth and laughter will remain in our hearts forever." Spotland Bridge Funeral Directors, 225 Spotland Road, Rochdale OL12 7AG.
