'She lived for the shop.' Husband of one of Burnley's longest serving and most popular traders pays moving tribute to his wife

The husband of one of Burnley's longest serving, best known and most popular shopkeepers has paid tribute to his wife of 57 years.
By Sue Plunkett
Published 3rd Mar 2022, 12:30 BST
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Kathleen Lord, who ran her business, Kathleen's Florist's in Coal Clough Lane for over 50 years, died at the weekend after a short battle against cancer.

Her husband Mick said Kathleen 'lived for the shop' and loved being there.

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"Her staff became like family and she loved being with the customers. It was her life. She had worked there since she was 19," he said.

The husband of well known florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord, who has died at the age of 77 has paid tribute to herThe husband of well known florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord, who has died at the age of 77 has paid tribute to her
The husband of well known florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord, who has died at the age of 77 has paid tribute to her

The couple bought the business because they couldn't afford a house and the premises came with a flat. At the time it was a fruit and vegetable shop and they later bought the shop next door and started selling flowers.

It was to become one of the best known businesses in the town.

Mick said: "Kathleen's parents ran a fruit and veg shop, which also sold flowers off Accrington Road, so that's where she got the idea from."

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Kathleen went to St Augustine's RC Primary and the former Paddock House schools. She and Mick shared the same birthday and Mick joked he was the 'grumpy one' and she was always smiling, chatty and would help anyone she could.

Tributes have been paid to Burnley florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord who has died at the age of 77Tributes have been paid to Burnley florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord who has died at the age of 77
Tributes have been paid to Burnley florist and greengrocer Kathleen Lord who has died at the age of 77

Kathleen always had a cheery word and time to chat with customers, despite the long and tiring days she spent grafting in the shop. But after a long day she always had time to cook or bake for her family.

She sold the florists in 2020 and the fruit and veg business last year.

A regular attender at St Mary Magdalene's RC Church in Burnley, Kathleen's funeral will be held there next Friday (March 11th) at 12-30pm.

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The funeral cortege will leave Alderson and Horan funeral directors in Rossendale Road at 11-45am process along Kathleen's beloved Coal Clough Lane and people are invited to line the route their to pay their respects, a tradition that she herself started.

The family has been inundated with hundreds of messages and cards from people who knew Kathleen.

Mick added: "I would like to thank everyone for the messages, it does mean a lot to the family to know how well loved Kathleen was."

Kathleen also leaves her sons, Anthony and David, grandsons Elliott and Myles and three great grandsons.

Related topics:Burnley