Friends of the late Emma Mansell aim to raise thousands of pounds in her memory.
And yesterday many of them joined her grieving family to celebrate the life of the popular young mother-of-four.
The private funeral was held at Lindley at 1.15pm with the funeral cortege leaving her sister Nichola’s home to travel the short journey to St Stephen’s Church. Mourners then followed to Huddersfield Crematorium for a private service.
Ms Mansell, 37, of Reinwood Road, Oakes, was stabbed to death on May 18.
St Stephen’s Church remained open well into the evening last night for those who are unable to attend the funeral.
There was also the opportunity to sign a book of condolence, to say a prayer and light a candle.
At the request of the Mansell family donations could be made to Meningits Now, following the death of Emma’s first son Charlie from the condition several years ago.
Friends have since set up a tribute fundraising page ‘A Little Something for Emma’ to raise funds in her memory.
And it has already raised more than £1,500 and hopes to smash a £2,000 total.
They have arranged a variety of events in her memory including the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Emma, who had reverted to her maiden name after her marriage to Stewart Siswick ended, had worked for ten years at Longley School as a teaching assistant for children with special needs.
Headteacher Anne Lawton said at the time of the tragedy: “Emma was a popular and well respected member of the school community.
“She will be sorely missed by everybody. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Parents of children who were assisted by Ms Siswick told how she was fantastic at working with children, particularly autistic children.
Ex-policeman Jonathan Sutton, 39, has been charged with Ms Mansell’s murder and is remanded in custody.
He is also accused of the attempted murder of her sons Oscar and Frederick Siswick.
To donate to Emma’s memorial fund go to http://emmasmemory.tumblr.com/about
Click here to take you back to more Huddersfield news.
Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here
To follow us on Twitter click here
