Lisa Berkley

I knew Gill for over 30 years and am proud to call her a friend. 

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I had met Andy at Maccabi when we were in our early twenties and when Gill came on the scene she fitted right in. No airs and graces, always up for a good time with her wonderful smile and infectious laugh.

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We had our children at similar times. Zak was a year older than Josh and Mia a year older than Shelley. Our 2 families would meet up regularly and there was always food involved. 

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I remember one occasion when Zak was about 2 years old (pre Mia) when Gill had come over for a lunch date (of course). We had a lovely time and said goodbye and Gill left. The next minute the doorbell rang and Gill was standing there very panicked as she had put Zak in the car seat and had somehow locked the keys in the car. Fortunately Zak had fallen asleep so we sat outside on the wall with another cup of tea while we waited for the breakdown people to arrive. 

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When the kids got older and went their separate ways, our friendship continued. We celebrated many happy Simchas together over the years, Bar and Bat mitzvahs and special birthdays. 

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I recently got divorced and moved to a small flat with my daughter. I took very little from the house but the one prized possession that came with me was the beautiful dish Gill and Andy bought us on our wedding day. It has pride of place in my flat.

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When Andy passed away I was truly devastated, we had been friends for so many years. Even at that time of her deepest grief Gill was so concerned how I was. She carried herself with such dignity though I know how hard it was for her. 

She had so many friends from all different places and somehow managed to make time for everyone and make us all feel special.

I am crying as I write this, I have lost 2 lovely friends far too early and my heart goes out to Zak and Mia. I hope they take comfort from knowing how special both their parents were.