Ann Widdecombe’s loved ones gather for her funeral
Ann Widdecombe's Loved Ones Gather for Final Farewell
Ninoda.com – Ann Widdecombe's loved ones gathered at Buckfast Abbey in Devon to pay their respects at the funeral of the former politician. About 100 family members, friends, and colleagues attended the service for Ann Widdecombe, who passed away at her home at the age of 78. The Catholic abbey, which she regularly worshipped at and described as her "safe haven," provided a fitting setting for the requiem mass.
Mourners arrived wearing black for the Catholic service dedicated to prayers for the soul of the deceased. Ann Widdecombe, who died on 8 July after being found with serious head injuries at her Haytor home on Dartmoor, had a distinguished career spanning politics and television. Police officers and sniffer dogs were present in the abbey grounds ahead of the approximately 90-minute service.
A Life of Faith and Public Service
The Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast, delivered a homily during the service. He reflected: "In the midst of the shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death, our response is to pray for the repose of her soul, to give thanks for her fortitude, and offer Holy Mass in this Abbey Church which Ann called her safe haven."
A statement from the Abbey Church described Ann Widdecombe as someone who would be "missed and fondly remembered." The statement added: "Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. She was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant."
The order of service featured tributes from the Rev Roger Widdecombe, Ann Widdecombe's nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close friend. Donations made in her memory will be divided between the Leprosy Mission and Abound, supporting the Christian Endeavour Hostel projects in India.
Political Career and Legacy
Ann Widdecombe's political career spanned several decades. She served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government during the 1990s. After leaving the Commons, she appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
She later represented South West England as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK as a party spokeswoman in 2023. Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder in July following an investigation by counter-terrorism detectives. A provisional trial date has been set for June 2027.
A public memorial for Ann Widdecombe is scheduled to be held later this year, allowing those who could not attend the private funeral to pay their respects.
"Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics," said the Abbey Church statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Ann Widdecombe's funeral held? The funeral took place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, a Catholic abbey that Ann Widdecombe regularly attended and considered her "safe haven."
Who was charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder? Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from South Yorkshire, was charged with murder in July following an investigation led by counter-terrorism detectives.
When is the trial scheduled to take place? A provisional trial date has been listed for June 2027.
What charities will receive donations in Ann Widdecombe's memory? Donations will be divided between the Leprosy Mission and Abound, which supports the Christian Endeavour Hostel projects in India.
When will the public memorial be held? A public memorial for Ann Widdecombe is due to be held later this year.