Grim Reaper at funeral was woman's dying wish

A woman made her daughter and friend promise that the "Grim Reaper" would attend her funeral.

Sharon Taffs, from Maldon, Essex, died in December, aged 68, from breast cancer, and her funeral was held on 16 March.

Her daughter, Louise Miller, 49, from Witham, said her mother planned every part of the memorial, and when a friend joked that he would come dressed as the reaper, and would point to people saying "you're next", she thought it was a hilarious idea.

"We were just fulfilling her wish," Ms Miller said.

"She made us promise we would do it, and he's the kind of friend that would fulfil that promise no matter what."

Because of the planned joke, the family did pre-warn people and a few decided not to attend.

• Listen: Don't fear the Maldon Reaper

"If you research the Grim Reaper, he transports the soul to where it's going, so he's not actually a bad person.

"It was a perfect service and it was exactly what she wanted," Ms Miller added.

She said everyone wore white and Dominick the Donkey, an Italian Christmas song, was played for her Italian friend, Maria - all things Mrs Taffs had requested.

"It was a really good thanksgiving of her life," Ms Miller said. "She would be absolutely loving the attention her funeral is getting, as it just showcased her personality and sense of humour.

"She didn't want people crying, dressed in black and being sad, and she got what she wanted.

"I think about her funeral now and it makes me smile, it's a good memory, not a bad memory," her daughter added.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830