To Rita—my oldest friend, both in years and in time. 46 years! Rita was my first boss when I was 16, she took me under her wing immediately.
She’d make egg mayo and cheese open sandwiches most Sunday evenings for me ready for Monday … calling me a blinding nuisance .
I’d make her coffee, woe betide me if I didn’t follow her exact instructions including swilling her ‘pink’ cup around with hot water first and woe betide anyone who dared to touch her pink cup 😂 I loved the birthday phone calls. Every year, I’d answer the phone to her saying, ‘Wait, wait...’ followed by the sound of the organ starting up, false starts , Rita huffing and puffing & the organ playing Happy birthday with Rita singing along and finishing in full operatic style 😂we’d chat weekly on the phone .. with Rita saying ‘you can get me on the WhatsApp ‘ the chat would always start the same way … “Rita what did I tell you about answering the phone on 3 rings … in future I’ll put the phone down” with Rita retorting … “if I’d known it was you you blinding nuisance I wouldn’t have answered it, always made us laugh.
I’d often end up in hysterics by the time the phone call had ended.
She was so proud of Martin and Jamie’s achievements , saying I’m not bragging but …. She was always so interested in what Paul and I were up
to , asking so many questions. I’m so grateful to have had your friendship Rita , I’ll miss our chats so much .
Rest in peace my dear friend, you were one of a kind
Xx
Michelle Arbon
18/04/2026
