The UK and international gardening and pet industries have been paying tribute to Theresa Swann, Head of Events at Gardenex and PetQuip, who sadly passed away in December.
Theresa began working for Gardenex and PetQuip in 1996. She became a very well-known and much-loved figure who brought a wealth of knowledge and a great deal of passion to her work.
Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, who worked alongside Theresa for 23 years, had this to say: “Theresa was a vibrant and bubbly personality who exuded warmth to many different people in our sectors and helped make industry colleagues feel like part of a large family. She was loyal, hard working and dedicated and made it a matter of pride to help members in whatever way she could.
“Many of our team have worked for the Federation for many years and view our colleagues, members and our industry as part of an extended family and during her many years of service to British businesses, Theresa absolutely loved interacting with everyone in the UK and with international buyers and contacts too. She is greatly missed by us all. We would like to thank everyone for the touching and heartfelt messages we have been receiving and will ensure that these are passed on to her family”.
Tributes from UK and international contacts have been pouring in. Among them, Matthew Mein, show organiser for Glee, said: “Theresa was a joy to work with, kind-hearted with a positive outlook and warm smiles. On behalf of my team, our thoughts are with Theresa’s partner, family, friends and work colleagues. We thought so much of her.”
“I am so sorry for the loss of such a lively and great person. Theresa will always be remembered in our hearts. I feel so lucky that I got to know her,” said Thomas Karl, of international trade fair organiser Messe Berlin.
And Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions, said: “Theresa was lovely to work with and so very kind to me personally. I always thought of her as far more than just a ‘work’ colleague. We travelled to many international shows together and she regularly attended PATS shows as part of the PetQuip team - we will sadly miss her. She was always helpful and supportive towards our international visitors and exhibitors.”
Theresa passed away peacefully at Tupwood Gate Nursing Home on 11th December aged 55 years. Her funeral service will take place at Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead, Surrey, at 10.15 am tomorrow (Friday, 17th January), followed by a reception at Reigate Manor Hotel at 12pm.
The team at Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA and non-executive directors of the trade associations will be attending the Committal and Reception and Theresa’s family has indicated that industry friends and colleagues are also welcome to the service, subject to numbers. Please email amanda@gardenex.com if you would like to attend to pay your respects.
Donations to Cancer Research UK, Guide Dogs For The Blind and St Catherine's Hospice can be made via the following link:
https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/11-12-2019-theresa-karen-anne-bernadette-swann/
