Joint funeral for loving mum and her beloved son (From The Argus)

Joint funeral for loving mum and her beloved son

5:40pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

A grandmother “died of heartbreak” just days after learning of her son’s death.

Doris Dickens died suddenly shortly after being told Roger had passed away.

Her daughter said that despite desperate attempts to resuscitate her she could not be saved.

Roger’s funeral was due to take place on Monday, February 4, and 12 white doves were to be released.

He suffered from health problems and his family said the birds’ flight would symbolise his escape from pain.

But now the Dickens’ family have quickly rearranged the funeral so mother and son can be laid to rest together.

Twenty-four doves will soar through the skies above Palmeira Square, Hove, at 2pm tomorrow (February 7), the day of the joint funeral.

Doris’s daughter and Roger’s sister Elaine Talebain, who said she was heartbroken, told The Argus: “Roger was scared and mum did not want him to be on his own.

“I think she has gone to be with Roger.

“She knew he would not want to be alone.”

Loving son and brother

Much-loved Elaine explained she was actually in a florist writing a card for her mother to Roger for his funeral when she heard the terrible news she had died.

She said: “Roger was so loved and so loving. I was his little sister but he was like my little brother.

“Mum was amazing. She was Nanny of the Week on the TV programme The Big Breakfast and always remembered to get her grandchildren presents on their birthdays.

“She went in a hot-air balloon when she was 80 and was once banned from doing karaoke because she kept taking the karaoke book home to learn new songs.”

Diabetes

Roger, 66, was found dead in his home in Rookery Close, Brighton, on January 3.

It is believed he died as a result of his diabetes and was in the care of the coroner’s until last week.

Doris, 92, died suddenly of natural causes in the care home where she lived in Walsingham Road, Hove, on Thursday.

She had just bought a new tiger-print dress for her son’s funeral.

Elaine, who lives in Palmeira Square, recalled how her brother had worked in the Queen’s Hotel in Brighton as a DJ and lifeguard in the city.

The funeral will take place tomorrow at 3.45pm at The Downs Crematorium, Main Chapel.

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