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.”
I was deeply saddened to hear of the news of Babette and although we never met I did want to share with you a lovely chance phone call I had with her when I was trying to source a cream KitchenAid mixer for my daughter who incidentally introduced me to the Art of Living weekly updates and is a huge fan of your Reigate store. Over a year ago now my daughter was tested for the breast cancer BRCA1 gene and sadly got a positive result. She had been so brave in dealing with this diagnosis and so through Lockdown I wanted to buy her something special. Her dream was to own a KitchenAid and so with Babette’s help I was able to source one, even though they were in very short supply at the time. That short conversation with Babette was so indicative of what I have read since of her wonderful personality. So helpful, kind and caring. I immediately felt totally at ease in opening up about the reason for my purchase. Babette then very naturally told me of her own situation. Babette could not have been more understanding and supportive. She made an important purchase all the more special.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss and send my deepest sympathy to your family and all the team at The Art of Living.
Andrew and family, you have my deepest sympathies for you sad loss Having spoken to her on th ,phone on a couple of occasions Iwas and still am very grateful for the suggestions she offered,W hi Chris I have taken on board
I. Read most of her updates and was distressed d by some of the contents.
I am afraid that exes and other h ealth workers come in not only all shapes and sizes but temperament as well I certainly have personal experience of the “mixed bag” I am relieved that she eventually found her way through these troubles and died at peace
Dear Andrew and family – please accept my sincerest condolences. I was privileged to have known Babette for a number of years and some of the biggest things I will miss are her smile, infectious laugh and of course her gorgeous warm hugs. My heart goes out to you all at this extremely difficult time but Babette will live on with us all in our hearts and especially our kitchens xxx
Dear Andrew and Family. My heartfelt condolences at the loss of your wonderful Babette. Apart from a few occasions in the shop, I met her properly only once, at a bread-making course, which she made fun and amusing, as well as informative and helpful. We also latterly corresponded by e-mail, she passing on her well-thought out and interesting musings. Her suffering is now over; may she rest in peace.
Such sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you all