Tributes are also paid to a ‘wonderful’ mum
Jasmine Siddon Reporter
06:00, 08 Feb 2026
Darren Thomas Lang.(Image: Supplied)
A “loving son” and father is among the lost loved ones commemorated in this week’s Leicester Mercury death notices. Darren Thomas Lang is one of 34 people fondly remembered by family and friends.
This week’s tributes honour those who have recently passed away, as well as those lost in previous weeks. Among them is 68-year-old Susan Puglia, who was described as a “much-loved” mum, who will be “forever missed by all her family and friends”.
Tributes have also been paid to Steve Buckley, who died aged 62. The tributes below are listed in alphabetical order.
Darren Thomas LANG
Darren passed away peacefully at LOROS on Tuesday 20th January 2026. He leaves a devoted wife, Victoria. Two beautiful children, Dylan and Phoebe. A loving son to Wilf and the late Sue. A wonderful Brother to David and Uncle to Cadan. A friend to so many throughout his life. Darren’s funeral will take place on Monday 16th February at Gilroes Crematorium at 13.30. All are welcome. Family request Navy and Blues to be worn. Family flowers only and donations for LOROS will be gratefully received on the day. All enquiries to Kriss Morrison Cooper Independent Funeral Director, 106 Derby Road, Loughborough LE11 5AG. Telephone 01509 210843.
Maynard ALLSOP
Passed peacefully away on Saturday January 24th 2026 at the QMC Nottingham. Loving husband of Carole. Dearest Dad of Paul and Mark and treasured Grandpa of Lewis and Suzy. Peace at last Darling. Funeral Service to be at the Great Glen Crematorium on February 19th at 12.30pm. Bright coloured clothing is welcome. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made, in memory of Maynard, to Alzheimer’s Research UK. All enquiries to: Ginns & Gutteridge Funeral Directors 129 Leicester Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1NS Tel: 0116 278 6291
Ronald Trevor (Ron) BILLINGS
(Ron) Passed away after a long illness at The Amwell Care Home on Thursday 22nd January 2026 aged 94 years. Ron’s funeral service will take place at St Michael & All Angels, Rearsby Church on Monday 16th February 2026 at 11:00am. Family flowers only. Donations are to be made payable to LOROS or Dementia Research UK via G E Gamble & Sons Website https://www.gamblefunerals.co.uk/obituaries/. Further enquiries c/o G E Gamble & Sons, Independent Family Funeral Directors, 57 High Street, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1GQ, Tel: 0116 2607500
Steve BUCKLEY
Passed peacefully away on 18th January 2026 aged 62. A Thanksgiving service will be held at Whetstone Baptist Church, Springwell on Monday 16th February at 2pm. Family flowers only please, but donations can be made in memory of Steve to Dogs Trust. All further enquiries to Co operative Funeral, 9 Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DW, telephone 0116 2784237
Peter Arrowsmith BURGESS
Peter Arrowsmith Burgess.(Image: Supplied)
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 14th January 2026 aged 91 years Re-united with his loving Wife Margaret May. A wonderful loving Dad and Grandad, he will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Peter’s funeral service will take place at Wigston Magna Methodist Church Cross Street Wigston Leicester LE18 2HE on Friday 20th February 2026 at 1:30 pm. There will be refreshments at the church following a private family committal. Family flowers only please, donations will be gratefully accepted for British Heart Foundation All further enquiries to:- Central Coop 511 Welford Road Leicester LE2 6BN Tel: 0116 2703111 Email: [email protected]
Pauline CHEETHAM
Beloved wife of the late Albert Cheetham and dearly loved mother of Mike & Phil. Much loved sister, auntie, nanny and great nan. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 11th January 2026 aged 84 years. Will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends. Funeral service at Great Glen Crematorium on Friday 13th February at 1.30pm Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, are to Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland c/o A.J Adkinson & Son Funeral Directors, 12 London Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DG. Tel: 0116 2712340 or online at: https://paulinecheetham.muchloved.com
Barry CHOLERTON
Barry Cholerton.(Image: Supplied)
Sadly, passed away on the 14th of January 2026, at home, aged 75 years. Beloved Brother to Alan and Christine Barry will be missed by all that knew him. Funeral service will take place Tuesday 10th February 2026, 14:30 at St Marys In Charnwood Church, Nanpantan Followed by a committal service at Loughborough Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations will be greatly appreciated for Parkinsons UK The family of Barry have stated, black clothing is not necessary for the celebration of Barrys life. All enquiries to Pinfold Gate Funeral Home, Central Coop 33 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1BE 01509 215331
Derek Thomas CREE
Derek Thomas Cree.(Image: Supplied)
Sadly passed away on the 28th January 2026, aged 93 years. Much loved husband to Bet. Derek’s funeral will be held at Gilroes Crematorium on Thursday 19th February 2026 at 10am. Family flowers only, but donations may be made in lieu, if so desired, to the Alzheimer’s Society. All enquires to be forwarded to Ginns & Gutteridge Funeral Directors, 555 Saffron Lane, Leicester LE2 6UN 0116 2832041
Eric John CUNNINGTON
Beloved husband of Joyce, passed peacefully away on Monday 5th January 2026. Aged 88 Years. Eric’s funeral service will be held at Countesthorpe Crematorium on Thursday 12th February 2026 at 4pm. Family flowers only please. If you wish to leave a donation in Eric’s memory this will be for SportsAid and can be donated at the service. All further enquiries to Central Co op, 9 Lutterworth Road, Blaby, Leicester, LE8 4DW. Telephone number 0116 2784237.
Edith Vera (Vera) DONNACHIE
Edith Vera (Vera) Donnachie.
(Vera) Passed away peacefully on Sunday 25th January 2026 aged 92 years. Loving wife of the late Ernie, loving mum to Steve, Paul, Karen and Fiona, loving grandma to Daniel, Declan, Connor & Chloe, Oriana & Nadia and Luke & Jessica, great grandma to Siena & Leo, Cason & Cacia, Luca, Enzo & Sophia and Noah, Kai & baby bump. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Vera’s service will take place at Great Glen Crematorium on Wednesday 18th February at 2.30pm. You are very welcome to wear a splash of Vera’s favourite colour blue. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, may be made to Dementia UK. c/o A.J. Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors 12 London Road Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DG Tel: 0116 2712340 or online www.ajadkinsonandson.com
Ian Eric HANKEY
Ian passed away peacefully at home in Evington on 31st January. A much loved brother he will be greatly missed by all his family. His cremation will held at Great Glen Crematorium on Thursday 19th February at 3.30 pm. Family flowers only. Donations to LOROS.
John Arthur HEALEY
Passed away peacefully on 19th January 2026, aged 94 years. Loving and much loved husband of the late Barbara, dearly loved father of Dawn and Susan, Father-in-law of Paul and Tony, Grandfather of Adam, Simon, Matthew, Sarah and Hannah, Great Grandfather of Archie, Henry, Evelyn, Essie and Oliver. John’s funeral service will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday 19th February 2026 at Gilroes Crematorium. Family flowers only by request, donations if desired for Alzheimer’s Research UK may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548
Sandra HENTON
Sandra peacefully passed away at home on Thursday 8th January 2026, aged 77 years. Devoted Wife to Mick, loving Sister to Roger and Julie and Sister Inlaw to Michael. We will treasure all of the loving memories that Sandra has left us with and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Sandra’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 25th February at 10.00am at Gilroes Cemetery. All further enquiries to : Coop Funeral, 131 Humberstone Road, Leicester, LE5 3AD Tel: 0116 2516906.
John Thomas HEWITT
of Countesthorpe, passed away peacefully on 26th January 2026, aged 92 years. Funeral Service at South Leicestershire Crematorium, Countesthorpe, on Monday 9th February at 3.00pm. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, for RNLI may be made online at www.jstampandsons.co.uk or sent to J. Stamp & Sons, Funeral Directors of Market Harborough. Tel 01858 462524.
Laurie Patricia May JARVIS
Peacefully passed away at Nightingale Nursing Home on the 13th January 2026 Aged 95 years Reunited with loving Husband Ron Laurie’s Funeral Service will be held at St Mary Magdalen Church, Brinsmead Road, Leicester LE2 3WD on Monday 2nd March at 10.45am followed by a private Cremation Family flowers only please donations if so, desired will be kindly accepted on the day for VISTA for the blind All further enquiries to:- Central Coop 511 Welford Road Leicester LE2 6BN Telephone – 0116 270 3111 email – [email protected]
Diana Mary JINKS
Diana Mary Jinks.(Image: Supplied)
Passed away at Agnes House on Thursday 15th January 2026 aged 95 years. Diana’s funeral service will take place at 12:00 on Thursday 19th February 2026 at St Ursula’s Chapel, Wyggestons, LE3 0UX. family flowers only, doantions for LOROS or Agnes House Residents fund may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548
Ruth JOHNSON
Ruth Johnson Died peacefully at home on January 29th 2026. Age 98 years. Reunited with her beloved Husband Richard. Much loved Mum, Grandma, Great Grandma, Auntie and friend. Well loved and respected Methodist Local Preacher. The funeral will be held on 13th February at 11-00 am at Gilroes Crematorium followed by a Thanksgiving Service and celebration of Ruth’s life at Ratby Methodist Chapel. All are welcome. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of floral tributes will go to Dementia UK and may be sent to the funeral director’s address below. A life of love well lived. Look mum you’re in the Mercury xx For all further inquiries please contact Sheelagh or Philip on the phone numbers below. Charnwood Funeral Service Ltd 41 Baxter Gate Loughborough LE11 1TQ Tel 01509 214286 or 01509 240200
Michael James (Mick) KEELING
(Mick) Passed away peacefully at Amberwood Residential Care Home on Thursday 8th January 2026 aged 88 years. Loving husband of the late Doreen. Devoted dad to Jayne and son-in-law Richard. Michael’s Funeral Service will take place at South Leicestershire Crematorium, Foston Road, Countesthorpe, Leicester, LE8 5QP. On Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 12.00 noon. Family flowers only, donations [optional] In memory of Michael to benefit Bowel Cancer UK. All enquiries to: Richard Ward Funeral Services Ltd 2b Cross Street, Enderby Leicester LE19 4NJ Tel: 0116 2866 858 email: [email protected]
Elisabeth MURRAY
Elisabeth Murray.(Image: Supplied)
Ulrika Elisabeth Frances Sylvia Murray, known to all simply as Elisabeth, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on 25 January 2026, aged 91. Born in Sweden on 23 September 1934, Elisabeth later made her home in England, where she built a rich, generous, and deeply meaningful life devoted to family, music, and service to others. She was loving, generous, and full of fun, with a spontaneous spirit, an amazing degree of empathy, and an unrivalled zest for life. A friend to everyone she met, Elisabeth had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. She was the beloved wife of the late Cedric Murray, and a deeply cherished Mum – lovingly known as “lilla Mamma” – as well as a devoted Grandmother (Mormor & Farmor) to 9 grandchildren and Great‑Grandmother (Mormors mor) to 6 great grandchildren. A devoted home-maker to her four children, Elisabeth’s family was always at the very heart of everything she did. Music was one of Elisabeth’s greatest passions. She was a gifted concert pianist and piano teacher, sharing her love of music with countless pupils over the years. Creativity flowed through all aspects of her life; she found joy in sculpting and painting, often capturing the faces, spirit, and personalities of her children and grandchildren in her artwork. Alongside raising her family, Elisabeth lived a life of service and purpose. Her working life included many roles in the care sector and as a company director, reflecting her compassion, versatility, and determination. She was also the founder of Connection, a charitable organisation created to support disadvantaged children in Leicestershire. Through tireless fundraising and boundless enthusiasm, Elisabeth helped give children simple but life‑changing experiences – trips to the seaside, visits to the theatre, picnics, opportunities to play, and precious time immersed in nature. Throughout her life, Elisabeth managed significant health challenges and chronic pain with extraordinary courage and resilience. She never complained and never allowed her difficulties to diminish her joy, her curiosity, or her instinct to put others first. Elisabeth will be remembered for her warmth, generosity of spirit, creativity, empathy, and infectious love of life. Her legacy lives on through the music she played, the children whose lives she enriched, and the generations of family who carry her love, laughter, and strength forward. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. A service will be held for Elisabeth at All Saints Church, Newtown Linford on Monday 23rd February at 11am. All are welcome. Donations, in lieu of flowers will be collected for two charities close to Elisabeth’s heart, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, and Asthma UK
John Brian PAINE
Passed away peacefully on Saturday 24th January 2026 aged 84 years. Loving husband of Paulette, loving dad to Richard and Julie, grandad to Tom, Ollie and Greg. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. John’s service will take place at Great Glen Crematorium on Monday 23rd February at 12.30pm. A splash of John’s favourite colour blue would be very welcome. Family flowers only please. c/o A.J. Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors 12 London Road, Oadby Leicester, LE2 5DG Tel: 0116 2712340 online: www.ajadkinsonandson.com
Sadie Iris PARKER
12.2.1937-29.12.2025 Passed away at Leicester Royal Infirmary, late of Gorseburn House. Interment Gilroes Cemetery, 10.30am. 12.2.2026. Reunited with her late husband Cyril. All enquiries to Central Co Op Funeral, 12b Tournament Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8FP, Tel 0116 2322373
Eileen Mary PRATT
(nee Duffy) Passed peacefully away at home on Saturday 17th January 2026 aged 92 years. Reunited with her beloved husband Cyril. Loving Mum to Deborah, Mother in Law to Farid, and Nana to Adam. Eileen will be greatly missed by all. Eileen will be received into the Mother of God Catholic Church Greencoat Road Leicester LE3 6NZ. On Wednesday 18th February at 7.00 PM. Eilleen’s funeral service will take place at the Mother of God Catholic Church on Thursday 19th February at 11.00 AM. Followed by Eileen’s Interment at Kirby Muxloe Cemetery, Desford Road, Kirby Muxloe LE9 2EJ. Family flowers only by polite request. Donations, if so desired, will be to Marie Curie. All enquiries c/o Paul Pender & Son, Independent Funeral Directors. The Shakespeare, 226 Braunstone Lane, Leicester, LE3 3AS. Tel: 0116 2896608
Susan PUGLIA
Sadly passed away on the 23rd January 2026, aged 68 years. Much loved mum to Lucia, Rebecca and Matthew. She will be forever missed by all her family and friends. Susan’s funeral will be at Gilroes Crematorium on Monday 16th February 2026 at 10am. Family flowers only, but donations may be made in lieu, if so desired, to LOROS. All enquires to be forwarded to Ginns & Gutteridge 555 Saffron Lane Leicester LE2 6UN 0116 2832041
Pauline Wendy READ
Pauline Wendy Read.(Image: Supplied)
Peacefully passed away on Wednesday 14th January 2026 at Orchard Manor View care home, aged 88 years. Beloved Mum to Glenn, Claire and Stuart. Gran to Oliver, Harry, Lucy, Louis, Evie and Archie. A funeral service to celebrate Pauline’s life will be held at South Leicestershire Crematorium, Countesthorpe on Wednesday 18th February at 1pm. Family flowers by polite request only. Donations if desired will be to Dementia UK. All enquiries c/o Paul Pender & Son, Independent Funeral Directors. The Shakespeare, 226 Braunstone Lane, Leicester, LE3 3AS. Tel: 0116 2896608
Howard RILEY
Howard Riley.(Image: Supplied)
Reunited with Loving Wife Renée Dad to Janice and Adrian. Grandad to Leigh and Tom and Great-Grandad to Joshua. Who will be sadly missed. We can confirm that Howard’s Funeral Service will be held at All Saints Church, Wigston on Tuesday 24th February at 10.30am followed by a private burial. Family flowers only please. Donations to LOROS a charity close to Howard’s heart can be given on the day. All enquires to Coop Funeral Care 82 Leicester Road Wigston LE18 1DR Telephone 0116 2889486
Margaret Elizabeth (Boulton) SHAW
(Boulton) Loving wife to Tom, mother to Andrew, Tim and Rebecca, grandma to Charlotte, Oliver and Ben and great grandma to James, Erin and Noah. Passed away peacefully on 17th January 2026 Aged 84 Years. Margaret’s Funeral Service will be held at South Leicestershire Crematorium, Countesthorpe On Wednesday 18th February at 10am. Family Flowers Only Please. Donations can be given on the day for the RNLI & Marie Curie. All enquiries to the Coop Funeral Care 82 Leicester Road Wigston LE18 1DR Telephone 0116 2889486
Ronald SPENCE
Sadly passed away on the 15th January 2026, aged 90 years. Eternal husband to the late Dorothy. Loving father to Glenda and Donna. He will be forever missed by all his family and friends. Ronald’s funeral will be held at South Leicestershire Crematorium on Monday 23rd February 2026 at 3pm. Flowers welcomed. All enquires to be forwarded to Ginns & Gutteridge 555 Saffron Lane Leicester LE2 6UN 0116 2832041
Hazel Jean TANSLEY
Hazel Jean Tansley. (Image: Supplied)
Passed away peacefully on 20th January 2026 surrounded by her loving family aged 79 years. Loving mum to Michelle & Peter, David & Sarah, Robert & Katie, precious Nannie to Jack, Emily, Harry, Ben, Jessica, Ethan, Alexander and great Nannie to Sophie. and a friend to so many. Hazel’s funeral service will take place at 2:45pm on Friday 20th February 2026 at Loughborough Crematorium. Flowers and enquiries may be directed to Anstey & District Funeral Service, Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT. 0116 2340548
Brenda TIMLOCK
formerly of Birstall Beloved wife of the late Norman, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Passed away in the peace of home, on Thursday 15th January 2026, aged 93 years. ‘Forever and always in our hearts’ Funeral service at Loughborough Crematorium on Tuesday 17th February at 1.15pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Marie Curie c/o E.C. Gilbert Ltd Funeral Directors, 4a Oaks Road, Great Glen, Leicester ,LE8 9EF. Tel 0116 2592267 or online at www.ecgilbertltd.com
Michael Anthony (Mick) TRIGGS
(Mick) Cabinet Maker & French Polisher – formerly of Knighton Wood Shop. Passed away peacefully on Thursday 8th January 2026, aged 83 years. Much loved husband of Margaret, special dad to Michael and Leslie, and a dear grandpa. Mick will be very sadly missed and always remembered. Funeral service at Gilroes Cemetery West Chapel on Wednesday 18th February at 10.30am followed by private burial. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Alzheimer’s Society c/o A.J. Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors 12 London Road Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DG Tel: 0116 2712340 or online at www.ajadkinsonandson.com
John Charles WATSON
John Charles Watson.(Image: Supplied)
Peacefully passed away at home on Sunday 11th January 2026, aged 67. A loving Father to Simon and Kimberley, devoted Grandad to Lenora and Felicity. John will be sadly missed by all who knew him. John’s funeral service will take place at Gilroes Crematorium on Wednesday 18th February at 1.00pm Donations if desired to Guide Dogs, which John was very passionate about. For all further enquiries: Coop Funeral, 131 Humberstone Road, Leicester, LE5 3AD Tel: 0116 2516906.
Janet WHEELER
Janet Wheeler.(Image: Supplied)
Sadly passed away at the Royal Derby Hospital on Sunday 25th January 2026 after a short illness. A cherished and much loved mum to Nicola & Adrian, Paul & Claire. A proud and much loved Granny/Granjan, to Ellie, Jess & Ollie, Anna & Tom, Great Granjan to Theo and sister to David and Diane. She will be forever missed by all her family and friends, she filled our lives with warmth and kindness. Janet’s funeral service to celebrate her life will take place at Loughborough Crematorium on Monday 23rd February 2026 at 11am. Family flowers only please. Donations if so desired to Alzheimers Research UK and The British Heart Foundation via G E Gamble & Sons Website https://www.gamblefunerals.co.uk/obituaries/ Further enquiries c/o G E Gamble & Sons, Independent Family Funeral Directors, 57 High Street, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1GQ, Tel: 0116 2607500
Sheila Baxter WOODCOCK
Beloved wife of Gerald, loving mother of Neil & Fiona and sister of Raymond. Passed away on January 17th 2026 after a short illness. The funeral service and cremation will take place at Great Glen Crematorium on Thursday 12th February at 3.30pm, all welcome. Family flowers only. Donations to St Stephen’s URC, Leicester. c/o A.J. Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors 12 London Road Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DG Tel: 0116 2712340 or online: https://sheilabaxterwoodcock.muchloved.com
Christine Ann WOOLHOUSE (Sibson)
(Sibson) It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dearly loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Christine following a short illness on Saturday 24th January at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life at Loughborough Crematorium on Friday 27th February at 10.15am. Family flowers only please send any donations to The British Heart Foundation. Her memory will be in our hearts forever, her loving sons Steve, Mark and Chris. Further Enquiries to Abbeyoak Funeral Services 10-12 Buckminster Road Leicester LE3 9AR Tel 01162515639
If you are affected by bereavement, it’s okay not to be okay. The charity Cruse offers free, confidential support. Call 0808 808 1677.
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