Vera Lynn dies aged 103

By SHIRLEY BROUN

DAME VERA LYNN, has passed away, aged 103.

These are words that have echoed around the world during the past 24 hours since this beautiful performer, whose rendition of We'll Meet Again was an inspiration for the forces during World War II, closed her eyes for the last time on June 18, 2020. 

                    Vera Lynn 

In a statement her family stated: " The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

"Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18th June 2020, surrounded by her close family."

Vera Lynn's rise to fame as an actress and singer was boosted immensely during the second World War when with hits such as We'll Meet Again, released in 1939, she became known as the Forces' Sweetheart.

Other releases included The White Cliffs of Dover, Rose of England, A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, The Anniversary Waltz, Land of Hope and Glory, You'll Never Know and It Hurts to Say Goodbye.

The inspirational songstress was much loved the world over ... not only for her music but also for her charity work and her ability to make everyone she met feel honoured, respected and at ease. She was also the first to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

Dame Vera Lynn started her own charity for children with cerebral palsy for which she worked tirelessly.

There was never any stopping the inspirational performer who, at 100, celebrated by releasing yet another album. Her birthday was also celebrated in Australia at a special ALVA celebrity luncheon, proceeds from which were donated to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Australia and Legacy.

DAME VERA LYNN DOWNUNDER

Founder of ALVA (the Australian Ladies Variety Association) in Sydney, Australia Toni Stevens is a long-time friend of Vera Lynn who was the original patron for the charitable organisation from 1979 and special guest at a number of major fundraising events held during its foundation years. 

We'll Meet Again Vera Lynn - the Force's Sweetheart was appointed a Dame in 1975. She died aged 103.

Toni also visited her regularly on trips back to England including just after her 100th birthday in 2017, and often returned with video or taped messages from Vera to her beloved ALVA members.

On hearing the sad news of her death, Toni wrote:

"It’s all over the news, but for those who didn’t catch the news today, my dear friend, and ALVA’s original Patron, has passed away this morning at the age of 103.

"Dame Vera CH., DBE., LL.D., was a guiding light to all of us when we first started ALVA. She helped us by suggesting many ways we could raise funds and she was always with us for our six years when she visited Australia.

"She will be sadly missed by the whole world of entertainment and by her songs that reached out to a World at War 1939-1945, comforting millions of troops from many countries, giving them hope and inspiration.

"She was a great advocate for fundraising, especially for children, and her greatest passion was for those suffering from Cerebral Palsy and, through the Dame Vera Lynn Charity Trust, she founded a special school for children with this disability, not far from her home in Ditchling, at Cuckfield, Haywards Heath in East Sussex.

"Earlier members of ALVA will remember what a down to earth, perfectly natural and approachable lady she was – no airs and graces, despite being a super star of her era.

"The legacy of the “Forces Sweetheart”, as she will always be remembered, will live on forever, and I’m sure that someday, somewhere in that big theatre in the sky ... We Will Meet Again. Fondly remembered by Toni Stevens"

Editor's Note: As the Editor of ALVA's first magazine `Alvariety', I was fortunate enough to have met this inspirational, talented and much-loved icon on a number of occasions. The warmth and love she had for all endeared her to many millions of people - both in and out of the forces - for life. Thank you Vera Lynn for a lifetime of music and memories. You are one in a million!

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