Lillian May Pitts was born in 1900 in Wimbotsham, Norfolk, the daughter of William Ringrose Pitts and Mary (née Hopkins). She married Herbert Pooley Petch in 1922 and there are three known children. She died in 1977 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire.
The spelling varies between “Lilian” and “Lillian” in the historic records. The latter appears to have been favoured in adulthood.
Articles
Holiday gift for ‘golden couple’
The children of Holbeach will have to do without “Mr Lollipop Man”. Mr Herbert Petch for the next week for he and his wife have gone to Bournemouth for a week’s holiday.
The holiday is a gift from their three daughters and families to celebrate their parents golden wedding.
It will also be a convalescent holiday for Mrs Petch who has been in hospital recently.
Miss Lily May Pitts and Mr Herbert Petch were married on May 3 1922 by Canon P. Hutchinson, at All Saints’ Church, Holbeach.
Mr Petch as been a crossing control man since he retired six years ago.
For nearly 27 years he was employed by the East Elloe Rural Council as a driver in the public cleansing department. Before this he was a long distance lorry driver.
On Wednesday, Mr and Mrs Petch had the first of the family parties at the home of one of their daughters. Another party will take place at Hatfield after their holiday at Bournemouth.
They were sure of plenty of greeting cards on their anniversary for they have 16 grandchildren.
Lincolnshire Free Press (9 May 1972)
PETCH. Lillian May of 35 Park Lane, Holbeach, beloved wife of Herbert, passed away on October 18, 1977, aged 77 years. Funeral service at the Methodist Church, Holbeach, today, Friday, October 21, at 12.30 pm, followed by cremation at Boston. No flowers by request but donations if desired will be accepted by the Rev R. Priestley, Barrington Gate, Holbeach, for the Cancer Research Fund.
Spalding Guardian (21 October 1977)
PETCH, Lillian May. Mr H. Petch and family wish to express sincere thanks to the local doctors, the doctors, matron and all the staff of King’s Lynn and Holbeach Hospitals for the kindness and attention given to the late Mrs Petch during her illness also relatives and friends for the many kind expressions of sympathy and donations received for the Cancer Research Fund. Many thanks are extended to the Rev R. Priestly and Mr Frank Woolley for funeral arrangements. Please accept this the only intimation.
Lincolnshire Free Press (25 October 1977)
Mrs. L. M. Petch
The funeral of Mrs Lillian May Petch of 35 Park Lane, Holbeach, took place at the Methodist Church, Holbeach, on Friday (21).
Mrs Petch, who was 77, died in Holbeach Hospital on Tuesday week.
She is survived by her husband, Herbert, and three daughters, Mrs L. Green of Enfield, Mrs Mayfield of Holbeach, and Mrs Pattern of Halifax.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev R. Priestley. Organist was Mrs Daniels.
Mourners were: Mr H. Petch (widower), Mrs L. Green, Mr and Mrs J. S. Mayfield, Mr and Mrs M. A. Pattern, Mrs L. Tillbrook, Mr M. Green, Mr and Mrs I. Green, Mrs G. Bowtell, Mr R. Green, Miss L. Green, Mr R. Green, Miss K. Green, Mr A. Jordan, Mr S. Green, Mrs W. Petch and Mr N. Petch.
Sympathisers were: Mrs P. Thurston, Mrs V. Clements, Mrs S. Pitts, Mrs J. Bragg, Mr W. E. Sleaford, Mrs Cunnington, Mrs E. J. Johnson, Miss M. Wright, Miss G. Bingham, Mr and Mrs J. Needham, Miss V. Bingham, Miss E. Bingham, Mrs C. Crawford, Mr and Mrs F. Sauntson, Mrs R. Howard, Mr H. H. Lawson and Mrs Cook.
