Daphne Carmen Bartels was born in Colombo, then Ceylon on the 25th October 1932 to Walter and Constance Bartels. She was the youngest of 5 children, she enjoyed a close relationship with her brother and three sisters.

At the age of 18, she met her beloved husband, Melvyn, and they were married in 1951 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Colombo, and together they embarked on family life, welcoming Lorraine, their only daughter in 1951, Clifford, Randolph, and Winston, and they enjoyed years of family bliss in their beloved home, Pepperpot Cottage, in Trincomalee.

Daphne made the decision to embark on a journey across the world, in search of a better life for her children, and to be closer to relatives who had already made the journey across the sea. This bravery and prioritisation of her family is a hallmark of her character. The family set sail in 1963, arriving in the UK, and settling in Leicester, Daphne, Melvyn, and their children enjoyed a home full of love and laughter, just as they had in Trincomalee, and their youngest child Graham was born in 1964.

Their years in Leicester were marked by parties and family gatherings, something our family is renowned for. In amongst the dancing, and the laughter, you could find Daphne, honing her incredible culinary skills, and providing a warm smile and delicious meal for family, friends and strangers that Melvyn was known to bring home! Her legacy lives on in her recipes, passed to her daughter, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters, to whom she taught the valuable skills of hosting, cooking, and showing love through providing.

Though Daphne was always filled with a remarkable capacity for love and tenderness, her life was marked with tragedy. Losing first her wonderful son Randolph in 1974, and her husband Melvyn in 1987. She found solace in poetry, writing beautiful tributes to them, the family would come to discover decades later.

Despite the terrible loss she faced, the Friskin family continued to grow, with the addition of her grandchildren Carina, David, Elliot and Molly. The role of grandmother came as naturally to Daphne as breathing, she was a wonderful grandmother, showering her grandchildren with unconditional love and care. She had the most amazing ability to make you feel adored, and like you belonged wherever she was. She treasured our quirks and uniqueness, was our biggest supporter, and cheerleader, and was relentless in her quest to ensure our safety. Nana was truly one of a kind, gentle yet strong, loving yet brave and humble.

Her abilities as a perfect grandmother were also enjoyed by her great-grandchildren, Riley, Arya, and 'little Felix' for whom she always had gifts and laughter, and who we know will remember her with so much fondness.

Beyond her unwavering devotion to her family, Daphne was an incredibly interesting woman, she was interested in the world around her, and travelled across the globe. Not only back to her homeland, but to Australia, Asia, and across Europe. She was deeply religious, and her devotion to her faith kept her going, even in the toughest times. Daphne loved animals, none more than our dog Rolo, who we often joked was her favourite grandchild. She regularly donated to the Dog's Trust, and couldn't bear the thought of animals suffering. She was a crossword champion, witty, clever, and had a beautiful way with words, whether in a poem of remembrance or a birthday card. She had a deep love of country music, that she shared with her son, Clifford.

Her legacy is left in albums of photos, thousands of photos documenting her family, that span almost a century, a treasured archive that will be enjoyed by generations present, and future.

Daphne passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, after receiving wonderful care from the nurses at Marie Curie. She leaves behind a large family, all who are touched by her unwavering love, kindness, and grace.