Babette
14 August 2021
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
Babette
I am very sorry to tell you that Babette died peacefully at home on Sunday evening. She was in the bed that we’d set up in our main room (that we live, cook, eat and talk in) and she died in the late afternoon of last Sunday 8th August. Despite the ample warning that we’d had, I’d naively thought this would lessen the blow. It didn’t seem to. She was my closest friend, the person with whom I could discuss anything, however controversial, and without fear of judgement and there existed between us a deep appreciation of the other. I suppose this is what is very often referred to as love. Her death hit me and my three children like a sledgehammer, and that is roughly where we still are, as I write this on Thursday morning.
Has it all been misery? No, in fact early that evening, Shirley and Helen, two of Babette’s closest friends came round to “say goodbye” before the undertakers took her body away. We opened a bottle of wine and sat round enjoying memories of Babette, and there was a good deal of laughter mixed in there, along with a variety of other emotions. Josie remarked the next day that she hadn’t expected to be laughing and enjoying herself so shortly after her mum died. She’d expected everyone to just be sad and maudlin. But in fact for us there’s been a mixture of emotions, happy memories that bring laughter, tears of joy, and tears of sadness and of loss, and a few sledgehammer moments thrown in for good measure.
I’m aware that this will have been a shock to you, especially if you’ve met her in the past or felt you knew her through her writing the updates, or maybe you knew her quite well. So, if this describes you, then thank you for joining me, my family, my colleagues, friends and neighbours in mourning the death of a woman who enriched and often challenged the lives of those she met.
My warm regards to you.
Andrew
P.S. If you feel moved to reply to my email, may I ask you to do so here, partly and selfishly so I don’t feel obliged to reply, and I want everyone to see how she has been seen in her life.
For instance, for me she has been such a force for questioning the status quo that, if you have example you want to share of how she touched your life, I’d be delighted to hear it and suspect others will as well.
Thank you.”
Firstly,I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family Andrew. I’ve never met you personally but had engaged in conversation with Babette in The Banstead Branch a few times over the years but obviously not recently. What started me talking to her was the trace of an accent. By a trace,I mean a trace. I then proceeded to speak some French!! She was a delight to talk to and gave me good advice,surprise surprise 😁. I’ve also met your daughter Jeanne who has advised me on several occasions. She clearly has many of Maman’s traits,so friendly and helpful.
I was originally shocked to learn of Babette’s illness and subsequently saddened that, despite the lengths she went to,she could not overcome it. She certainly gave it everything that she could.
I wish you all,the courage and strength you need to see you through the next few days,months and years. Those you love NEVER leave your thoughts. You eventually learn to live with just their wonderful memories.
Take care all of you.
Dear Andrew and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences. Your loss is great as Babette was a force of nature and she will be missed by so many. Linda x
Dear Andrew and family,
I just wanted to send our sincere condolences on the sad news that Babette has passed away. We didn’t know her personally but have felt such empathy with your family through her struggles as you so sensitively describe in your weekly emails.
Our thoughts are with all your family and of course also with all your Art of Living colleagues.
Dear Andrew, Family and Colleagues
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Babette. I know exactly what you mean about the roller-coaster of emotions. I only met Babette a couple of times in the shop but perhaps you can take comfort from your happy times together and the knowledge of how well loved and respected Babette was. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Sylvia Howard
So sorry to hear the sad news about Babette- my thoughts are with you all. Like many others, I have never met her or visited the shops, but am an online purchaser. I have read Andrew’s emails on a Saturday morning and over the last few months, the updates from both Andrew and Babette on her illness. We all know of a family member, friend or work colleague who has battled cancer in their own way, but Babette has shared her journey with such openness, bravery, dignity and at times, humour, that is truly inspiring. You must be very proud of her.