We first met June at St Barnabas Church in Finchley and attended a home group of which she was a joint leader. With her gift of warm hospitality we were soon made to feel welcome.

After our two year stay in London our friendship with June and George continued and we were very happy to be able to offer them some hospitality when they ventured Down Under for a holiday in the late 1990s. 

The relationship continued to grow as Liz enlisted June's contribution to a study she was undertaking at Regent College in Vancouver. Soon afterwards Peter began PhD studies at London School of Theology (by distance) although the arrangement required him to make an annual visit to his supervisor and on a few occasions Peter enjoyed staying with June and George. Several years later Peter and Liz visited again, this time in Portishead.

Over the years we exchanged letters at Christmas and the occasional (long) phone call. What made the friendship work was our shared faith and genuine interest in each other's lives. We will always remember June for her warmth, her hospitality, her deep prayer life and her joy in life despite its share of challenges, particularly in the later years. We will remember her as a dear friend and as a rose, bringing beauty and gentleness into our lives.

Rest in peace.

Liz and Peter Mallen