MARGARET May Atwell went out in style as a New Orleans jazz band escorted her funeral procession in Pill, Newport, today.
Margaret, a great-great-grandmother, known as Mayo and by her maiden name Kalter, died on March 4 aged 95 at Caple Grange Nursing Home.
Family members followed the funeral procession, which included a horse-drawn hearse, from the Picton Arms in Commercial Road to St Stephen’s Parish Church.
The service was followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium and a celebration of her life was held at Baneswell Social Club.
Mrs Atwell had 11 children, 56 grandchildren as well as great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
A family member, who did not want to be named, said the New Orleans jazz band was Mayo’s idea, as she “loved a party” and a wanted to “go out in style”.
Mayo was born in Emlyn Street and had spent her entire life in Pill. She had been a full-time mother and lived independently until she moved to Caple Grange Nursing Home, just eight days before she died.
The family member added: “It’s a celebration of her life. That was what she wanted.
“She loved a party and always loved to have a big birthday party every year.
“Everybody who met her loved her. She was a very popular person. She was very much loved by all of her family.”
Here's some video of her spectacular procession through Pill today:
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