Funeral held for ‘special and unique’ Melksham resident

The funeral of Melksham resident Cheryl Decarteret, who died following a collision in the town centre, was held on today, Friday 21st November, at St Michael’s Church.

The funeral procession paused on its way to the service at the former Cooper Avon site, where Cheryl worked for many years, briefly stopping to acknowledge her time there.

Residents, friends and family gathered at the church to pay their respects during the service.

Cheryl, 79, died after a collision outside Savers on Lowbourne on 27th September. Her friend, Margaret Shaw, sustained life-threatening injuries.

Cheryl was well known in the community, supporting friends with shopping, attending appointments and doing their weekly laundry. She was born in Bradford-on-Avon and lived in Holt before moving to Melksham. At age 18, she began working at Avon Rubber alongside Margaret.

In a moving tribute following Cheryl’s death, her grandchildren said, “Nan was a truly special and unique lady and we all loved her dearly.

“It was a blessing to be in Nan’s company, as she always made you smile with her bubbly personality. Nan’s kindness and wit were the reason that she was so loved by all who had the joy of meeting her; she was a ray of sunshine. We are all heartbroken by the void Nan will leave in our lives.”

“We were fortunate to be blessed with such an amazing and strong woman in our lives and we are all proud to call her our Nanny Cheryl.”

A 25-year-old man from Melksham was arrested as part of the police investigation and was released on bail.

The family has since been campaigning, with ‘Justice for Cheryl Decarteret’ banners displayed across the town.