Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Charlotte (always just 'Char' to me) and I met in London. We worked for the same firm of solicitors as legal secretaries and quickly became firm friends That was nearly fifty years ago and we remained best friends, despite neither of us being especially good at keeping up with regular contact.
Char was a dear and loyal friend of mine; always on my side, but not shy about giving her views if she disagreed with my judgements. We laughed a lot together and had fun whenever possible, but we also shared times of grief and sadness, our disappointments in life and so on. I relied upon her sound counsel and the comfort she always offered. Both she and Don were so generous and kind to me when I was young woman, in particular by inviting me to their homes when they were travelling. I stayed for six weeks with them in Israel for example! Char took me under her wing as an older sister would, nurturing and mentoring all the way.
In our later years, the friendship between us became more 'equal' I think. As I matured we enjoyed a woman to woman bond that we both knew would last a lifetime. And it did. Everyone who knew Char will miss her. I'm no exception, of course. I loved her very much.
Love and very best wishes to Don, Saraya and all the family.
Jan Attfield (nee Bartlett)
