So sad to hear the news that Ventnorian Nora Hill passed away last week, aged 102.
Our thanks to Beryl Stewart Cummings for sharing this news with VB readers and for the following obituary. Ed
On Monday 7 November, at approximately 1.30pm, Nora will be taking her final journey around Ventnor town in a horse-drawn hearse travelling along Pier Street, High Street, Albert Street and up Church Street up to St. Catherine’s Church.
The public’s patience and co-operation will be appreciated whilst Nora’s journey takes place and it gives ‘Ventnor’ a chance to pay their final respects to a well known lady.
According to records, Ventnor has not seen a Traditional Hearse and Pair travel through the town since 1926 and for a horse-loving lady, this is fitting tribute.
Nora Hill 16 October 1909 – 27 October 2011
Long time resident of Ventnor Nora (Nellie) Hill sadly passed away after a short illness on October 27th, 10 days after celebrating her 102nd birthday with friends in Ventnor.
After retiring from a long and varied career in London, Nora continued to work in Ventnor at the local convent and Leslie’s garage, making many friends from all different walks of life over the past 35 years.
Fascinating anecdotes
Everyone who knew Nora has an amusing tale to tell about her many adventures and escapades.
It is said that Nora’s success at horseracing bets put one of the local bookies out of business.
Well into her 90’s Nora continued her daily walks all over Ventnor, Luccombe or Steephill Cove with her beloved dogs, Koph and later Tyke, to visit homebound friends and give them their favourite sweets, fruit and the local Chronicle.
During her rounds she chatted to one and all, often pressing sweets or a coin into childrens’ hands and treats for the dogs. Nora was also known to plant bulbs and flowers along the way, and was often invited to sit in gardens looking out to sea.
Knitting queen
A Maggie Thatcher fan, Nora was famed for her intricate knitting skills and her love of flowers. At 97, Nora won 2nd prize for her flower arrangement at the Horticultural show at the Winter Gardens and vowed to win first prize before she reached 100.
Nora had a wonderful, interesting life and she shared many special moments with her many friends world wide and Ventnor, and will be long remembered.
Her departing phrase was always “à tout à l’heure – TTFN.”
See you soon, TA TA for now, she will be missed by many.
