Funeral home scandal gran gets 'send off fit for a queen' after ashes mix up
The family of Jessie Stockdale received a box of ashes after her death, but were later horrified to discover that her body was still being held by a funeral home alongside those of more than thirty other deceased
A grandmother whose body was discovered by police investigating a funeral home has now been given a proper send-off.
Jessie Stockdale died last November and her family attended what they thought was her cremation.
After receiving a box of ashes, they were horrified to learn in March that her body had been found with 34 others at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, in Hull. The firm is now being investigated amid concerns over care of the dead.
Great-gran Jessie, who was 89, was laid to rest at Hull Minster on Monday, in what relatives described as a funeral “fit for a queen”.
Her family is fighting for regulation of the funeral industry. Reverend Canon Dr Dominic Black told the 50-strong congregation: “This is one of the most bizarre funerals I have ever had to do. It’s the only time, in all my years, where people have already had a funeral and yet here we are. But this time we are properly laying Jessie to rest.”
READ MORE: Amazon Prime Man United doc 99: release date and how to watch freeThe congregation heard Jessie grew up in Hull and worked “until her fingers were blue” in fish factories and as a cleaner. She met husband Maurice on a blind date and they had seven children.
Grandson Tristan Essex, 24, her full-time carer, was too upset to speak on the day, but in a video about the trauma inflicted on his family he said: “Nobody ever expects to have to arrange a second funeral.
“What’s happened at Legacy is nothing short of traumatic. We have all been left having sleepless nights and nightmares. All my nana’s memories have been tainted. She wasn’t treated with respect or dignity.”
The Reverend called it a “complete betrayal of trust”.
A man, 46, and woman, 23, were arrested and bailed on suspicion of prevention of a lawful burial and fraud as inquiries continue.