Former Mayor of Havant is given a fitting final farewell at memorial

Brenda Moss, known as Penny, served as the Mayor of Havant in 1990, and was a ward councillor in Waterlooville for two decades.

She died peacefully at her home on August 26, aged 90. Mrs Moss is survived by her sons Gary and Neil, as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs Moss was a devoted volunteer and former vice president for St John Ambulance’s Hampshire branch.

Friends and family gathered with Mrs Moss’ former colleagues at Havant Borough Council yesterday for a memorial at The Oaks Crematorium on Barton’s Road, Havant.

The Right Rev Paul Miles-Knight led the ceremony, and called Mrs Moss a ‘very special and very remarkable lady’.

Mrs Moss’s casket, which was draped in a flag depicting the St John Ambulance crest, was greeted with a full guard of honour from the charity.

During his touching tribute, Mrs Moss’s son Gary remembered his mother’s strong bond both personally and professionally with her husband, Ken Moss.

He said: ‘She wholeheartedly supported dad as his consort.

‘When he died, her only wish was to be with him and now she is.’

Mr Moss had previously served as Mayor of Havant in 1984 while his wife served as his consort.

He died in August 2015 following a short illness.

Mrs Moss, who was elected as ward councillor for Waterloo, Waterlooville in 1979, was made an honorary alderman in 2000.

The current Mayor of Havant, Faith Ponsonby, attended the memorial alongside her husband and consort Michael.

Cllr Ponsonby said: ‘She was someone who put the needs of her residents and her area at the forefront of the work that she did.’