A Derby family faced a heartbreaking delay as their mother’s burial was interrupted by an overgrown cemetery, leaving them frustrated and upset.
Derby: The Bowring sisters were devastated. They arrived at the cemetery to bury their mother, Cathryn Thorpe, only to find her grave completely overgrown. It was a mess of brambles and weeds, making it impossible to see where the grave was.
Felicity, who lives in Somerset, said their mom wanted to be buried with her parents. They planned the ceremony for November 4, but it turned into a nightmare. A grave digger tried to help, but it was a tough job.
Felicity shared how upsetting it was to think about leaving their mom’s ashes in such a wild place. They decided to take the ashes back home instead. They want to put a headstone there, but how could they keep it clear of brambles?
It’s not just their family’s grave. Many others are lost in the overgrowth. The sisters have been trying to get updates on when the area will be cleared, but it seems like a low priority for the cemetery staff.
Felicity mentioned that they’ve sent many emails, but the response has been slow. The cemetery is busy with new burials, and their mom’s grave is just one of many that have been neglected.
Elizabeth even shared a response from a cemetery official. They admitted the overgrowth has been there for years and that they don’t have enough resources to clear it. It’s frustrating for the family, who just want to honor their mother properly.
Felicity expressed her disappointment. She felt treated rudely and uncaringly during such a tough time. It’s hard to understand why the cemetery isn’t better maintained. Everyone deserves respect, especially in death.
Mrs. Thorpe’s family has deep roots in Derby, but they moved around due to her husband’s RAF career. In her later years, she lived with her daughters in Somerset. Now, they just want to give her the farewell she deserves.
In response, a council member acknowledged the financial challenges affecting maintenance. They promised to prioritize cemetery upkeep in their budget, but it’s a slow process. The family hopes for better communication and quicker action.
