Funeral Service

Time: 2.00pm

Date: Friday 6th October 2023

Service Details:
A service to celebrate Millie's Life will be held at Our Lady & St Hubert’s Church, Great Harwood followed by committal at Accrington Crematorium.

Mildred Hand ‘Millie’

As in life, without any fuss, Millie, from Great Harwood, passed away peacefully on 20th September 2023 in Royal Blackburn hospital, surrounded by her beloved Family. She was 87 years young – as she told everyone she was 50 with 37 years’ more experience! She is reunited with her adored late husband, Francis, whom she was with for over 60 years and, together, they led life to the full. She was a brilliant Mum and role model to her daughter, Nikki, her Son-in- Law Gary (her ‘rock’) and devoted Granny to Thalia. She was so proud of them all and loved spending time with them particularly at their home in London. Until her retirement, Millie was a Welfare Assistant for over 30 years at Our Lady & St Hubert’s school in Great Harwood. Even to this day, wherever she went, her grown up ‘kids’ would come up to her and reminisce – they all remembered ‘Mrs Hand’ with such genuine affection.

Millie was passionate about dance and theatre. She danced all her life – whether modern, ballroom or simply on the dance floor – as soon as she heard a beat, she had to dance! She and Franny did a mean jive! She particularly loved tap dancing and, over many years, performed on stage in lots of shows. Nothing made her more happy than going to the theatre – whether with the Hyndburn Theatre Group or in London with her Family. Over the years, she has seen almost every musical – at least once! Not long before she died, she was with her Family at the O2 in London, boogeying away to ‘Mamma Mia – the Party’, giving the younger folk a run for their money!
She was an active member of the Catenians and the U3A. In particular she loved the book club which she hosted many times – her biscuits were a real draw! And the luncheon club. Through all of these, she made some life-long, special friends.
Millie loved life. Gary, her Son-in-Law, always told her she was ‘a tough old bird’! She was strong, resilient, caring and lots of fun. Her smile lit up every room. She loved being with people. She had an amazing ‘can do and will do’ attitude – no matter what aches and pains she might have had, every day she put her best foot forward and embraced the day. She never refused an invitation and threw herself wholeheartedly into the spirit of every occasion. She was blessed with so many wonderful friends and she was a loyal and supportive friend to so many. We will all miss her terribly and she will dance on in our hearts forever.

Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Millie are being gratefully received on behalf of Diabetes UK, Marie Curie and The Salvation Army. You can donate by clicking on the ‘Make a Donation’ button at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can send a donation to Champ Funeral Services. There will also be a box at the church on the day of the funeral.

Please feel free to leave a message for Millie’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

    Christine and David Ashworth

    Millie was always the life and soul, never a dull moment and lived life to the full. For my parents she was a dear friend for over 50 years and will be sadly missed.

    Angela and Tom Hand

    We will always remember Mildred for her sense of fun and sense of humour.She was so proud of her daughter, son in law and granddaughter. Tom in particular will miss their chats about and the old days and the latest adventures she shared with family and friends. Good to know she will be with Francis now.
    Sue and Trevor Hall. at no 27

    We live on the same road as Mildred, whoever we saw her she always had a smile and a cheery wave for us .. She some so fondly of her Nikki and family. Love and condolences to them. Mildred will be delighted to be reunited with her beloved Franny xx

    Damian Murray

    So sad to hear of Mildred’s passing. She was a dear friend to my late Mum, Maureen, and she always brought fun and a ray of sunshine with her when she dropped in for a natter. Not that long since we last chatted and she had all the wit and sparkle our family knew for so many years. And as always she spoke of how she still missed Franny with whom I also had many a laugh when I was younger. Together again. Sincere condolences to Mildred’s beloved family and to her many friends.

    Nick Murray

    Mrs Hand was a dear friend of my mother’s for many years. I have memories of St Hubert’s, when mother and Mrs Hand would find us up to mischief and ‘guide’ us to the right path. Sending much love to Nicola and family.

    Stephen and Edna Metcalf

    Millie was a true sincere friend, we had many trips to Manchester, Harrogate and her favourite place was Lytham she loved looking at shops and having lunch and meeting up with my friends and family. Her smile was beautiful it lit up the room. I will mis her so much and I was blessed to have met her. God bless you Millie now you will be with your Amazing Husband Frannie.xxx.

    Jacqueline Murray

    As a student of St.Huberts School, Mrs.Hand always brought her high energy and loud laughter. I loved seeing her in her Pink Sheepskin coat, she was so fancy and beautiful. I was lucky to still be in touch until her passing. Millie will surely be missed. Love to Nicole, Gary and Thalia x

    Marilyn Davies

    Love to Nikki and family , thinking about my friend Millie she was a great lady and a lovely friend and me and a lot of her friends have happy memories of our dancing years together xxxx love Marilyn xx