OBITUARY: Touching tributes paid to Southsea's ice cream shop lady

Genuine, selfless, and kind, Hazel Pople touched the lives of everyone who surrounded her. She put her heart and soul into everything she did, and never failed to support her family in all of their endeavours. A loving wife, mother,
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jun 2017, 14:36 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2017, 08:43 BST
Hazel Pople on her wedding day on March 31, 1969Hazel Pople on her wedding day on March 31, 1969
Hazel Pople on her wedding day on March 31, 1969

grandmother, and friend, Hazel left her mark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Hazel’s story began in 1940, born and raised in Portsmouth. She attended Lyndhurst Junior School where she spent her time playing netball and attending Sunday school. After graduating Hazel found inspiration in the art of interior design, travelling to America to work at the age of 20. Here, she had the pleasure of designing the summer home for one of Hollywood’s most iconic beauties, Marilyn Monroe.

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Having returned to England, Hazel’s life turned upside-down when she met the man of her dreams, Portsmouth-born Acker Pople. The couple crossed paths whilst Hazel was working as a bar manageress at Gay Tauros nightclub, and sparks flew at first sight. Acker and Hazel soon fell in love, getting married on March 31, 1969.

Rebecca Pople, right, ice skating at South Parade Pier at the rink run by HazelRebecca Pople, right, ice skating at South Parade Pier at the rink run by Hazel
Rebecca Pople, right, ice skating at South Parade Pier at the rink run by Hazel

Before long, Acker and Hazel welcomed the birth of their two daughters, Rebecca Pople, now 47, and 54-year-old Deby Fairweather. Hazel was also a caring grandmother to Deby’s three sons, Alex, Shaun and David.

In 1977 Acker and Hazel ran a grocery shop on Victoria Road South, also beginning their journey at Southsea’s South Parade Pier. Here, they owned a tri-skating rink as well as an ice-cream shop. The couple continued their passion for trade for over 40 years.

Rebecca Pople described her mum as overly generous, and ‘always there to support us in anything we wanted to do’.

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Hazel brought up her daughters with love and devotion, and Rebecca felt as though her mum always taught her to ‘respect people, to help people, we have to give… it’s not about receiving’.

Hazel Pople with veterans on the seafrontHazel Pople with veterans on the seafront
Hazel Pople with veterans on the seafront

Hazel was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. In the new year, Hazel and Acker ended their 20-year journey running the ice-cream shop, as Hazel had developed a brain tumour.

A funeral was held in memory of Hazel on Tuesday, June 20, at 1pm at St George’s Church, Portsea, with more than 250 people attending to say their goodbyes.

‘She had such a good send off... it was touching,’ said Rebecca.

‘She is going to be really badly missed by everyone. So many memories... it’s not going to be the same without her.’

Related topics:SouthseaPortsmouth