Lidl funeral visits store's car park for worker's dying wish

Christine Milsom was taken to her funeral in a horse and carriage, which was driven around the car park at Lidl to mark her long and loyal service to the store.

Managers at Lidl organised flowers in the shape of a trolley to mark the much-loved mother's special place at the store as its longest-serving member of staff.

She started work in the Kennedy Way store on its opening day in 1995 – and after 25 years of service - she was asked to cut the ribbon when it reopened after a refurbishment in 2020.

Her family said it was her dying wish to have a happy send-off and that she had requested a horse-drawn carriage to do a lap of her ‘beloved’ Lidl car park.

Husband Wayne and children George and Laura paid tribute to her after her death in May following a two-year battle with cancer. 

Christine’s heartbroken children said she had left them with a massive hole, and their ‘Queenie’ would be sadly missed.

Nephew Darren Thomas, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “Above all, she was a passionate, strong and kind woman, who cared immensely about the people around her- she was very hospitable and loved having her entire family around her.

“We have all felt a huge loss and we know the Lidl staff have too- we want to thank them for all they did to support and help her.”

Christine died from complications of cancer at the age of 55.

She was born in February 1967 and grew up in Hanham. She met and married Wayne in the eighties before moving to Yate and starting her family.

Christine cutting the ribbon in 2020

Store manager Steve Ward added: “We were honoured to be able to send the floral display.

"Our thoughts remain with Christine’s family, she was a wonderful woman and it’s a very sad loss for all.”

TROLLEY: Lidl organised a floral tribute in the shape of the trolley

Mourners were requested to wear bright colours and remember the happy times spent together at Christine's funeral on May 27.