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'Moving' farewell to leader's ex-partner

Simon Thacker
9/12/2004

HOLY Trinity Church in Oswaldtwistle was packed on Monday for the funeral of Gabrielle Kroger, the ex-partner of Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe.

Councillor Britcliffe said: "It was a very moving and dignified service on what was a very sad day for us all."

The couple had been together for 10 years and had a daughter Sara, nine, who attended the service along with Miss Kroger's sister Suzy, who flew from Germany, and Councillor Britcliffe's son Alexander, 18.

Councillor Britcliffe said: "We had some fitting music including Away in a Manger, which was chosen by Sara, and Holy Night, which was one of Gabrielle's favourite hymns."

Councillor Sandra Hayes, who is Sara's godmother, said: "Both my husband Doug and myself were very close to Gabby. She was a lovely person and very well-educated, and the funeral was a very sad occasion for us all."

The service, conducted by the Rev John Taylor, was followed by burial at nearby Immanuel Churchyard.

Miss Kroger, 50, died at her home in Lime Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, last Tuesday.

At first it was thought she was a fire victim as smoke was seen coming from the house. But Councillor Britcliffe later revealed she had died of natural causes after a piece of food became stuck in her throat.

Meanwhile, the pan had been left on the stove, which sparked the fire.

Neighbours, who smelled smoke, smashed the back door open and took her outside but paramedics were unable to revive her.

Police and Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford were called in to investigate the death, but it has now been confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

An inquest will be held in March.

• Detective Inspector Peter Broome, of Accrington Police, said: "I would like to praise the public-spirited actions of several of Miss Kroger's neighbours, particularly Phil Rogers, Alan Street and Ben Procter.

"They raised the alarm, went into her house and helped take her outside. Their actions are highly commendable and, in different circumstances, may have saved her life. They should all be very proud of themselves."