Mary's family gather to say farewell to their 'rose'
Grieving friends and family of Mary Griffiths gathered to say their final farewell at her funeral in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday.
A sombre hush fell over Westgate Street as the cortege made its way to St Edmund's Catholic Church for the funeral for the mother-of-three who was fatally stabbed at her home in Bull Rush Crescent, Bury.
Traffic was stopped and mourners wept as Mary's family, who had travelled from Ireland, paid their last respects to the fitness instructor, who they described as their 'sweet angel'.
Mary, 38, was stabbed at her home on May 6 and died shortly afterwards at West Suffolk Hospital.
Her three daughters, who are being cared for by their father in London, attended the mass, at which there were readings from the Book of Lamentations and St Matthew's gospel.
The Clouds' Veil, by Liam Lawton, was played during the service, which ended with a recording of In The Arms of Angels, by Sarah McLaughlin.
A touching floral tribute reading simply, Mum, was placed on the steps to the church, while another had a card which read: "To My Mary Francis. We will miss you so much. Life will never be the same again. Rest in Peace. The Irish Rose in our English Country Garden."
A spray of white lilies adorned the coffin of the popular young mother, who was known to many through her work at Bury Leisure Centre.
A private ceremony was held later at West Suffok Crematorium, in Risby.
An inquest into Mary's death has been opened and adjourned and a 40-year-old man was yesterday charged with her murder.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating Suffolk Police's handling of a call made by Mrs Griffiths on the evening before her death.
A trust fund, called Friends of Mary, has been set up to support her three children.
Donations to the fund can be made at HSBC to the account number 71712888, sort code 401522.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
