Death of former Rector's wife

Stella Peters, wife of Canon Bill Peters, former rector at Holy Cross Church, Uckfield, has died following a stroke aged 83.

There will be a private cremation for family only today (Friday) and a service of thanksgiving at Holy Cross tomorrow (Saturday) at 11.30am.

Canon Peters paid tribute to his wife saying: 'She was a lovely dear lady. I could never have done my work as rector here without her.'

Mrs Peters also leaves son Simon, daughter-in-law Paula and grandchildren Daniella (11) and Jack (6).

Mrs Peters was dearly loved at Holy Cross Church, where she ran the Sunday School and toddler service. She also organised countryman's lunches.

The town council made two presentations to Canon and Mrs Peters. One was a specially commissioned painting of the rectory, presented when Canon Peters retired. The other was in recognition of their service to Uckfield over 25 years and was a painting of their two dogs.

The couple have lived in Uckfield for 33 years since Canon Peters became rector in 1969. They met 60 years ago when he was a curate at St Michael's Church, Brighton, where Stella's father was a churchwarden. They were married 40 years.

Messages

Canon Peters has received nearly 300 cards and letters from friends. 'Stella loved the people here and also during our time at the rectory took in people to look after them if they couldn't really look after themselves,' he said. And he told how one man joined them for lunch every day for eight years after his wife went into a nursing home and died.

The thanksgiving service will be taken by Bishop Tim Bavin, now a monk with the Order of St Benedict at Alton Abbey and who was formerly bishop of Johannesburg and then Portsmouth. He was one of Canon Peters' former curates and a dear friend of the couple.

The Archdeacon of Lewes and Hastings, the Very Rev Nicholas Reade will also take part in the service representing the diocese of Chichester. The rector of Uckfield the Rev Brian Wilcox will welcome the congregation at the beginning of the service.

All donations will be given to the Kit Wilson Animal Trust at Hadlow Down.