It was with great sadness that I learned that Michele Twelftree died in the early hours of Tuesday 27th January at Warwick Hospital. Michele, with husband Michael, moved back to Lapworth in late 2019 when Michele took on the post of verger at St Mary’s Lapworth. A few months into the role, the COVID lockdowns started, and shortly after that it became clear that Michele’s breast cancer from 2012 had returned.
Michele walked an extraordinary journey with cancer that was characterised by great trust in God, and great service to the church. Whilst still on chemotherapy she trained to become a Reader in the Church of England, successfully rising to the challenge of the academic work. In September 2024 she had a major operation to deal with a seemingly unrelated cancer in her tongue. Her recovery exceeded expectations and remarkably she managed to complete the requirements for Reader Training in time to be licensed as a Reader by Bishop Michael on 8th February 2025. She became a great inspiration to those who had trained with her.
As a Reader Michele led several church services and, with confidence increasing, she was scheduled to lead many more while I was on sabbatical in the autumn. Sadly, that was not to be. From the end of August, she suffered a series of minor setbacks. She always looked as though she was about to bounce back, but the minor ailments prevented her from receiving her cancer treatment, and this eventually caught up with her.
I am left with a huge sense of gratitude for all that she has contributed and the trust, goodwill and positive attitude that she has shown. She seemed to triumph in the face of disaster, almost routinely!
She leaves behind her husband Michael and three adult children. Her funeral will be on Thursday 26th March at 1pm in St Mary’s Lapworth.
– Canon Patrick