From Lara
Dear Blue
Thank you for sharing with us the account of Sophie's last days: reading it underlined yet again what a special person she was and what outstanding care you and the medical staff provided for her during the last ten plus years.
We were privileged to meet and become friends with Sophie in Gibraltar, an angelic-looking, very feminine person who charmed everybody around her. Despite her mild manners, it was immediately apparent that she had a strong character and lived her life according to high principles she had set for herself. Her frequent visits to St Andrew's Church to have a chat with Stewart on religious matters showed another side to her personality: deep spiritual inner life and unshakable faith.
Stewart and I remember fondly many evenings we spent together sharing delicious meals Sophie put together with flare and imagination. Stories from previous postings were always fascinating and enriched our own experiences of a nomadic lifestyle. Friendships were made quickly and they endured far beyond our time in Gibraltar.
Sophie had obviously a deep love and affection for you, Blue, and you were inseparable. Amazing harmony of your relationship was there to be seen by all who encountered you two as a couple. She also had a tremendous loyalty to and pride in her parents Claude and Alain, her brother Eric and his family: Karina, Camille and Amandine. I do not recall a single telephone call with Sophie when their names were not mentioned or their achievements not shared. She also deeply cared for all her friends and always kept in touch.
Life well lived, adversities fought with dignity and determination, warm light emanating from her soul - that's a portrait of Sophie we will always treasure. Rest in peace, our dearest friend!
With fond love
Lara
Malcolm "Blue"
25th April 2021