Tribute - Read By Grandson Lee at Alice's Funeral. The turn out today shows we are here to pay our respects not only to a very special lady but also a very popular lady. Whether Mam; Mother in law; Nanna; Nanny; Sister; Sister in Law; Auntie; Friend or Neighbour, I'm sure she meant something special to each and everyone of us here today. Born 7th April 1927 MARY ALICE was known to all as ALICE! Born and bred on Teesside, Thornaby has always been her home, living for most of her life in Briar Road before moving into her Bungalow on Redcar Road. Married to the late George, Alice has Five children, All of whom it must be said are a credit to her. She has seven Grandchildren and was very proud to say to all she met that she had seven Great-Grandchildren. She was a grafter and worked in various places whether it be fuelling the local bobby in the police canteen; pulling a pint in the local; early mornings with her sister Margaret making pies in the butchers or keeping offices clean. Work never frightened her. Alice loved a family do, she always looked forward to Christmas get togethers and special family birthdays. It is those occasions that give me some of my fondest memories. For many years and until things changed in recent times, she would build me up then knock me flat by introducing me as "This is my favourite Grandson" then seconds later she would say "He's my ONLY one!...for now". I'd laugh it off because I knew really that Nanna and I had a special relationship. I would ring her up and say "Is that the Old Biddies home?" to which the response would come "I'll Old Biddy Ya!". Nanna Atky or Nanna Alice as I call her was always very hospitable, you could guarantee if she knew you were coming there would be more than just a cup of tea waiting for you. So much so that one of my Nieces named her "Sandwich Nanny". A Loving, caring Lady who also had a sense of humour, well...she made me laugh!!!!! Whilst watching 'Stars in thier eyes' one night I recall a darked haired lady in jeans and a T-Shirt walked onto the set. The lady said "Tonight Matthew I'm going to be Marilyn Monroe". As they do she disappeared through the door, smoke filled the stage and Matthew Kelly says "Tonight Joan Smith?????? is Marilyn Monroe". At that Nanna said "I always think it's marvellous how they transform those people in just a few seconds"............Bless Her!!! The funny thing was I couldn't explain to her for laughing. She laughed too when she realised. THURSDAYS!!! Thursdays are a significant day for Alice, 7th April 1927 the day she was born - was a Thursday. 1st November 1973 she became a Grandmother (I was born) - that was a Thursday! She had a regular routine on a Thursday, going to the town with Auntie Margaret then having a house full as she had family round for lunch, (she loved feeding her Great-Grandchildren). Then it would be glad rags on and to the club for her night out!! Is it strange then or is it apt that she left us on a Thursday and here we are laying her to rest on a Thursday??? Alice Atkinson touched the lives of all she knew, words are easy but she TRULY WAS A LOVELY, KIND HEARTED and VERY SPECIAL LADY. Proud to call her my Nanna, I can honestly say she was more than that, she was also my friend. So special she is to me that my youngest daughter is named after her. We had a great bond and for that I am forever thankful. She would put me in my place and I always knew when I was in for a telling off when a sentence began with the words "Now ere listen". Alice will be missed by all who knew her, there was no chance to say Goodbye but I do thank God that she did not suffer. Hard as is it is to take in that she has gone we should be thankful for memories. Gone from our lifes but forever she will live in the hearts and minds of all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Alice Atkinson - 'My Nanna' I Love you, I'll Miss you, thank you for all the special memories. My hope now is that you may REST IN PEACE. Your Loving Grandson Lee xxx