Part of the Funeral Address on May 27th by Rev. Brenda Tipping of Martha Uff

We’ve come here today to say farewell to Martha Uff, nee Martha Love, but importantly we’re here to celebrate her life and give thanks for all that she was. Martha’s daughter, Sarah sent me some detail of her mother’s life.

Martha, a daughter, sister, carer, grandma and of course the best mum ever.  She was the 2nd eldest of five children, she was born in Scotland but the family moved to South Mimms when she was young, they only had jam jars to drink from.  Martha’s childhood was spent on Sparrow Farm, a dairy farm. She worked hard on the farm often not attending school so that she could work on the farm, when she did go to school she sometimes ended up in a playground fight standing up for her sister Mary whom she cared so much for. Mums great skill, of which she was proud, was milking the cattle, it was also a necessity. Another task she had was controlling Betsy the pony who would not pass the pub until she’d had a pint – the pony that is.

Some years later she gave birth to Mark, she continued to work although not now on the farm, but she still lived in South Mimms.  Then she met her future husband Des who, being the man he was, found the perfect house for them in Welham Green, yes it was condemned, and yes it needed a bit of work!!!  And if that wasn’t enough she then had Sarah too.

Mum, Martha was like a huge button, holding situations together sometimes quite literally. Mary also lived with us for some years, mum continuing to care for her.

Her last years were spent in Codicote living with me and the gang. Playing and laughing with her grandchildren was a major part of her life. She was often found rolling around on the floor with them as she’d been ordered to play the part of another farmyard animal, then she’d still be keen to join them for a dance around the front room, somehow she even found time to do the ironing!!  Mum was great.  We’ll all miss her.

This is a picture of a very caring lady, someone whose family were very important to her and who wasn’t afraid to take up a challenge on their behalf.  It is fitting that we have met her today to say farewell to her as this church and village has had an important part of her life and in that of her family, especially Mary, whom she cared so much about.

I’m sure Martha is now resting safely in heaven, reunited with Des and with Mary and the rest of her family.

The burial took place at Hatfield.