~ A Time To Remember ~

Mary Whipp, Hilda Provost, Norman Jackson, John and Anne Taylor and Tommy Keen, so much a part of the Gracie scene. All were invited to be her guest they are the ones who knew her best, they remember that lovely home in Capri, the charm the warmth and hospitality. 

~ The Fighting Spirit ~

Gracie made a full recovery after her serious illness in 1939 but over the years other health problems occurred. She suffered severe sinus trouble, needed an operation in America for gallstones and had a cyst removed from her head. Bore the pain stoically during a bad attack of shingles, sustained four broken ribs in a fall and confined to bed. At eighty one admitted to hospital in Naples suffering from bronchial pneumonia. She slowly recovered and was feeling a little stronger each day, then suddenly at home she passed peacefully away.

~ Not Any More ~

No laughter no tears no clapping no cheers and no Sally for real, such an emptiness we all feel. No contact with Capri no letters for you and me no crowds by the old stage door, alas Gracie Fields doesn't live here any more.

~ A Shocking Situation ~

An elderly lady fainted in the street when she heard that Gracie had passed away, at home and abroad it marked a very sad day. Another old soul on a bus was obviously distressed a young reporter sat by her side, "Oh son" she sobbed "Gracie Fields has died." Sudden death is a shock to the living they find it hard to believe, but their loved ones are spared any suffering therefore they should not grieve. Gracie had a compassionate nature kindly deeds she could not resist, in the world of entertainment and far beyond she is greatly missed.

~ An Icy Blast ~

The merry twinkle in Gracie's eye far exceeded the stars in the sky. Her nature in league with the sun warmed the hearts of everyone. The nation felt an icy blast when her time on earth had passed. 

~ In Nature's Wondrous Things ~

If on a dismal day we are feeling low we Look Up and Laugh and Sing As We Go. In winter's chill when the world is white with snow Looking On The Bright Side reflects in the fireside glow. As the scent of spring fills the air then Love Is Everywhere. Throughout the summer the sun will Keep Smiling and like Sally most beguiling. Mellow autumn is the September Song and so the seasons pass along. In all nature's wondrous things the spirit of Our Gracie clings.

~ All Together Now ~

Fred and Jenny Stansfield I very much admired I think of them constantly, and their four children who reached their expectancy. Now they are all together Mary Davy has joined them too, in that wonderful realm called heaven where skies are forever blue. Their life span seems very short yet in reality it was long, filling the world with happiness, laughter and song. 

~ Keep Her Memory Evergreen ~

It is not enough for me to say I admired Gracie Fields in her day. Bring her to life on the silver screen and keep her memory evergreen. That I may hear once again her lovely voice in a sweet refrain, and laugh as I used to do until tears run down my face, there will never be another as magical as Grace.  

~ Red Roses For Love ~

Goodbye Gracie you were so nice to know, you could not linger it was time to go. The cobbled streets are silent the pavements wet with tears, you gave your talent freely for over sixty years. Rising from obscurity pursuing every chance, performing in England, America and France. The most idolised artiste on the stage, your treasury of songs delighted every age. Twenty-seven red roses one for each year of love, was the last gift from Boris when you entered heaven above.

~ The Islanders ~

A candle burns on Gracie's grave replenished every four days, the islanders respected her in so many ways. Her presence and kind gestures brightened their lives, the gratitude they felt still survives. Gracie's candle of life was always bright and helped to keep the world alight. Why should darkness cloud her now, through having taken her final bow.

~ A Memorial Service For Gracie ~

Peacehaven, London and Rochdale a service was held in her memory the vast congregation wonderful to see. Although tears they could not hide all felt a sense of pride. The flower arrangement was beautiful pink daisies everywhere, The mayor of Rochdale read the first lesson the Vicar offered a prayer. In London the service was conducted by the Reverend Austin Williams, Michael Parkinson was there, Elizabeth Harwood sang Ave Maria with a dignified air. At Peacehaven a guard of honour was formed by the veterans of Dunkirk in the war years so brave, they brought a poppy wreath for Gracie and laid flowers on her parents grave. A china memorial plate was made in white, green and gold, showing Gracie in full song at eighty years old. She received heaven's blessing as so she should, in life she did so much good.

~ A Little Prayer ~

You gave me the feel of a soft gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun, you taught me to appreciate the honours I have won. You instilled kind thoughts towards others and gave me the courage to face adversity, for my very existence I truly thank thee.

~ The Prayer Book ~

Boris received Gracie's prayer book after she died, with a personal message written inside. He gave her the greatest happiness her private life had ever known, the most caring husband a woman could possibly own. With so many lovely times to share the parting would be hard to bear. The words she penned in tender ways made all his tomorrows brighter days.

~ Light A Little Candle ~

There is always fresh flowers on Gracie's grave and a candle burning too, in a quiet corner under Italian skies of blue. Tourists often visit on a summer's day and many come from miles away. Remembering the happy times when she was there, and the sound of laughter filled the air. They also remember that for sixty years she gave her very best and now deserves a well earned rest. 

~ Reunited ~

After Gracie died Boris continued to live in Capri, visiting her grave frequently. By the end of four years there were no more tears or a lonely path to roam, heartache gently passed away the good Lord called him home. Reunited with his beloved wife in the glory of eternal life.  

~ The Lure of Capri ~

Boris Alperovici suffered from a heart condition which became progressively worse, he was admitted to the International Hospital in Naples and cared for by a good nurse. When the end was near he discharged himself and returned to Capri, where he died a few hours later on 3rd July 1983. 

 ~ Stranger Than Fiction ~

Ray Rastall runs a bar in Coventry he kept Gracie's cards and photographs in a large frame firmly placed on the wall, a great attraction to one and all. On the Saturday morning of her funeral the frame fell onto the floor smashing the glass in a hundred pieces the contents were left completely intact, it seems unbelievable but it is a true fact.

~ All in the Mind ?~

A young lad played the harmonica on the stage, now facing blindness in old age. Feeling very sad over Gracie's death he reached for his pipe and his arm was gripped as if someone was shaking his hand, in thinking Gracie had returned to comfort him I can well understand. He appeared on the same bill in her heyday and when she bid him goodnight she shook his hand in a similar way.

~ Bells Across The Water ~

Bells ring out across the water linking Rochdale to Capri, where Gracie sleeps so peacefully. Her little candle burning bright glorified a holy night. Islanders worship on Christmas day, for the Virgin Mary they silently pray. Remembering the Christ-child born afar, the three wise men and the guiding star. Rochdalians remember their own guiding star for whom they frequently pray, and follow the path of goodwill named The Gracie Fields Way.

~ The Wind Blows Southerly ~

The wind blows southerly over the sea, bringing back memories especially for me. As I lay on my pillow I dream of the past, those halcyon days that vanished too fast. The wind blows southerly over the sea, bringing back memories of Gracie and the Isle of Capri.

~ Lift Up Your hearts ~

Somewhere a voice is calling somewhere a spirit dwells, to herald a joyous message like the Christmas bells. Lift up your hearts cease to fret and fuss, Gracie Fields is not lost but gone before us.

~ August Moon ~

August in Rochdale was glorious and a full moon shone each night, the old mill town looked so peaceful in the heavenly light. It seems unbelievable visitors did say, but the residents were quite convinced Our Gracie had passed this way.

~ Wish You Were Here ~

Gracie's brother Tommy companion help Mary Davey American secretary Neva Hecker producer Norman Jackson and friend Nell Whitwell have all passed away, the world would be a happier place if they were here today.