THE CHILDHOOD of a ploughmans daughter who lived in Petersfield for 35 years was celebrated at her funeral.

Kathleen Mary Andrews was born on November 2, 1928, and passed away on August 14 this year, and in memory of her childhood, her coffin was carried by horse drawn hearse to St Peter’s Church.

Her daughter, Pearl Wheeler of Rams Hill, said: “The hearse was a tribute to my mum’s early life as the daughter of a ploughman.

“Heavy horses were part of her earliest memories of visiting her father during hay-making and travelling home on the back of a horse big enough to hold several children.”

Born in Odiham, Kathleen was the eldest of eight children and known to her brothers and sisters as Mary although her many friends, colleagues and neighbours knew her as Kathy.

The 87-year-old lived all her life in Hampshire, living in Sheep Street in Petersfield for 35 years, and on the way to the church in The Square, the hearse went past her house.

Her first job in the town was with Lifeguard Assurance in Swan Street, and she later worked for East Hampshire District Council.

Pearl said: “She was an enthusiastic member of Petersfield Ramblers Club for many years, a member of The Historic Society, U3A, The Eight O’Clock Club, and volunteer with Age Concern, receiving a commendation in 2005 for fifteen years’ service.”

Kathy, a regular churchgoer at St Peter’s, was also a frequent contributor to the annual Skilled Hands craft competition in Petersfield, winning several prizes.

She also loved to travel, visiting Nepal, India and Costa Rica and national parks in America after she retired.

She also enjoyed reading, especially books set in the countryside; Laurie Lee, Edward Thomas, William Cobbett and Flora Thompson, were among her favourite authors.

Pearl said: “Mum had a ready smile, and felt very lucky to live here in such a lovely part of Hampshire.”

Kathy is succeeded by Pearl, and son Gary who lives in the Brenne National Park in France.