A mum-of-three stunned family members following her death when she wrote her
own tongue-in-cheek obituary in her local paper from beyond the grave.
Natalie Bailie, 48, showed her mischievous sense of humour when she penned the Spike Milligan-esque death notice that begins: “Hi If you’re reading this I have died.”
She had started planning down every detail of her funeral when she was first given the devastating diagnosis she had 13 brain tumours three years ago.
The care worker passed away on Wednesday (17/8) and shocked family and friends by publishing her own eulogy in the Stoke Sentinel the following day.
She wrote: “If you’re reading this I have died. I lived my way so I’m dying my way.”
Natalie, who lived in Oakhill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., then gives details of her funeral, which took place yesterday (Thurs) and says that “odd socks and trainers optional”
She then cheekily adds: “Lots of flowers please, I love them” before signing off with “See you all there”.
Natalie’s mum Carole Haw, 71, said the notice – which has echoes of comic Spike Milligan’s headstone inscription ‘I told you I was ill’ – was typical of her daughter.
Carole, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, added: “This was typical of Natalie.
“She spoke her mind and what you saw was what you got.
“She had no airs and graces, no matter what company she was in. Even if it was the Queen, Natalie would have been Natalie.
“She lived her life how she wanted, and wanted to go out how she wanted.
“She was a fighter and fought to the end; it was her sheer level of determination that kept her up and walking and helping people.
“In the back of her funeral book she has even left loads of DIY tips for her sister Sally – even when she has gone she’s still giving her sister help.”
Natalie was also a chairman at a Mutliple Abilities Club her later father Alan set up, and devoted much of her spare time to helping the disabled and able-bodied social group.
Carole said: “She would go on day trips and help out and try and fix any problem she could, and the people adored her.
“She was an amazing person. and a really giving person but she wasn’t afraid of anything.”
Natalie is survived by her mother Carole and her children Hannah, 26, Joseph, 24, and Isaac, 15.
Natalie’s aunt, Margaret Suter, 77, from York, said: “Oh she was a terror when she was a child, but she was such a kind person.
“I remember at her father’s funeral she was comforting all of the disabled people who were distraught.”
Natalie’s close friend Philip Pointon, aged 54, of Hartshill, said: “She was so brave and confident.
“My wife died of cancer and that is how I met Natalie. She really got me through the last 12 months.”
FULL OBITUARY:
“Hi If you’re reading this I have died. I lived my way so I’m dying my way.
“Please join my family to celebrate my life, not mourn my death, on Thursday 18th August at 3.30pm at Carmountside Crematorium.
“Following this, there will be a disco of all my favourite songs at Trent Country Club. Jeans, odd socks and trainers optional.
“Will family and friends wishing to attend please meet at the crematorium. Lots of flowers please, I love them. Lilies, freesias, gypsophila and white roses are my favourites. See you all there!!!”
