Nine Hampshire residents remembered in latest death notices
Nine individuals from Hampshire were laid to rest in May, their lives celebrated in moving tributes. From veterans to lifelong Romsey residents, each death notice reflects a legacy of family, service, and quiet resilience.
Nine Hampshire residents were remembered this week in death notices that capture the quiet dignity of lives well-lived. Among them was David "Dave" Edward Philpot, 94, who died peacefully at Brendoncare Home in Alton on May 22. A devoted husband to Sybil, he is survived by sons Derek and Alan, daughters-in-law Jane and Belinda, and a sprawling family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
James "Jim" Fail, 83, passed away at home on May 13, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. His notice described him as a man who brought warmth to every room he entered, a sentiment echoed by his family.
John G. W. Purse, a lifelong Romsey resident, died at Southampton General Hospital on May 12 at 95. His celebration of life is scheduled for June 25 at Test Valley Crematorium, where mourners will gather to honor a century of memories.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip
Reviewing local death notices can offer a glimpse into the community’s shared history. These tributes often highlight lesser-known local figures and their contributions, providing a richer understanding of the area’s cultural fabric.
Fred Gilroy, 90, died at Southampton General Hospital on May 23. His notice carried a poignant final line: "Now reunited with his beloved Maureen."
Key Points
- âś… Nine death notices published for Hampshire residents in May
- ⚡ Ages ranged from 49 to 95, reflecting diverse life stages
- đź’ˇ Funeral services scheduled across Alton, Romsey, Winchester, and Southampton
Samantha Ann Bamford, 49, died on May 14 after a life cut short. Her funeral is set for June 18 at Winchester Heights Care Home, where mourners will gather to celebrate her memory.
Doreen Copeman, 95, passed away peacefully at Royal Hampshire County Hospital on May 22. She is remembered as a loving mother to Stephen and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to eight.
Angela Susan Ayres, 76, died at Winchester Hospice on May 21. Her notice described her as a cherished wife to John and a woman dearly loved by family and friends.
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| David "Dave" Edward Philpot | 94 | May 22, 2026 | Brendoncare Home, Alton |
| James "Jim" Fail | 83 | May 13, 2026 | At home |
| John G. W. Purse | 95 | May 12, 2026 | Southampton General Hospital |
| Fred Gilroy | 90 | May 23, 2026 | Southampton General Hospital |
| Samantha Ann Bamford | 49 | May 14, 2026 | Winchester Heights Care Home |
| Doreen Copeman | 95 | May 22, 2026 | Royal Hampshire County Hospital |
| Angela Susan Ayres | 76 | May 21, 2026 | Winchester Hospice |
Audrey Anna Wells, 93, died at Shawford Springs Care Home on May 11. She is survived by sons Michael and Graham, who will carry forward her legacy of love and resilience.
đź“‹ By The Numbers
- 9 — Death notices published for Hampshire residents in May
- 6 — Funeral services scheduled across Hampshire in June
Ross Gordon Blackmore, 79, died peacefully on May 14. His notice highlighted the love of his devoted sister Sally, who will carry his memory forward.
Michael "Mike" John Simmonds, 81, died at home on May 20. His tribute described him as a devoted husband to Anne, leaving behind a family who will honor his quiet strength.
Anthony Lewis, 83, passed away on May 15 after a long battle with cancer. His notice expressed gratitude for the care he received at Winchester Hospice, where his passing was made peaceful by dedicated staff.
- 📊 The average age of those remembered in May’s notices is 83, reflecting a community with deep roots in Hampshire
- 🔍 Funeral services are spread across Hampshire, from Alton to Winchester, highlighting the region’s interconnectedness
- ⚠️ The youngest decedent, Samantha Bamford, died at 49, a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability
Jane Kingdon, 87, died peacefully on May 24. Her notice described her as a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, a woman whose presence will be deeply missed.
Ken Jones, who died at Flowerdown Care Home on May 20, is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Martine, Darrell, Nicholas, and William, and grandchildren Ellen, Katie, Steffan, and Keziah.
Tributes in Brief
- âś… David Trevanion Couch, 91, died at Marie Louise Care Home in Romsey on April 28
- ⚡ Margaret Evelyn June Porter, 87, died at Winchester Heights Care Home on May 27 after a battle with dementia
- 💡 Robert "Bob" Large, 76, died at Winchester Hospice on May 9, with a funeral service scheduled for June 18 at St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Kings Somborne
Each of these notices serves as a reminder of the lives that shaped Hampshire, from lifelong residents to those who found solace in the region’s care homes. Their stories, though brief, reflect the enduring connections that bind communities together.
- David "Dave" Edward Philpot — A devoted family man and Alton resident
- James "Jim" Fail — A man whose warmth filled every room
- John G. W. Purse — A lifelong Romsey resident honored in a June 25 service
- Fred Gilroy — A Southampton man reunited with his beloved wife
- Samantha Ann Bamford — A life remembered at 49
- Doreen Copeman — A 95-year-old mother and grandmother
- Angela Susan Ayres — A cherished wife and family matriarch
- Audrey Anna Wells — A 93-year-old whose legacy lives on in her sons
- Ross Gordon Blackmore — A man remembered by his devoted sister