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.