June 26, 2016
June 26, 2016
Kathy your smile and laughter will never be forgotten. With Love and memories. Ron!
It is with much sorrow that we share that on the morning of June 26th, 2015, Kathleen Axford lost her courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born in Sheffield, England in 1949, Kathy was the daughter of Harry and Mary Hudson. After meeting her husband while living in Spain, she moved with him to the United States and has been a resident of the Phoenix area for the last 38 years.
Kathy is survived by her husband Lenny and her sister Carol Wright of Sheffield; having previously lost her brother Rodger and both of her parents. She also leaves behind many extended family members and numerous friends; as no one ever met Kathy and walked away still a stranger. Kathy's genuine curiosity about others, her engaging personality, high spirit and love for life, endeared her to many who will miss her deeply.
A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at her and Lenny's home on July 11th. We also hope that you will take the opportunity to post your memories and photos on this site so that they can be shared with Lenny and all that loved her.
Tributes
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October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Happy birthday Kathy! I know your throwing a party, you are missed.
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Oh Kathy.....I know you are tuning in from way out yonder.....I had this page up yesterday then went searching for an angel.....and well.....hours later and late like you used to be....Hopefully I can upload one
September 30, 2015
September 30, 2015
Happy Birthday my love...god I miss you...
August 19, 2015
August 19, 2015
We remember happy times either visiting or being visited by Kath and Carol. Kath was always a happy and outgoing person and will be remembered with love by both of us. When she went to Spain in her younger years she found happiness with Lenny who looked after her so well, and I am sure we are all grateful to him for being her tower of strength.
We will remember Kath with love and affection Eileen & Christine
We will remember Kath with love and affection Eileen & Christine
August 3, 2015
August 3, 2015
kath was my cousin I am the youngest in the girls when I was little we used to go up to uncle harrys kaths dads and we had some great times with all the family she was such a bright star fun happy and she enjoyed life to the full even though I havnt seen her in some while I am sad and will remember her with love and fondness all my love kath from your cousin kayxx
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015
I have known this family my entire life, and the memories I have I will cherish for the rest of this life-- Kathy I will truly miss those laughs and smiles, and no matter how young I was you always made me feel like one of the grown ups!!! Truly missed but never forgotten-- I love the Axford family and my love is here for you all always!!
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015
What a gal! The camping stories, the Crown King stories, the "Rinky-Tink" movie we all made, her warm personality, her laugh, her accent. All the lives you have touched are better for knowing you but hurting by your passing. We'll miss you Kath. Go now and play with the Angels.
July 12, 2015
July 12, 2015
I first met Kath in 1965, she was Rogers sister. In 1967 when Roger & I got got married, his 2 sisters Carol & Kath was our lovely bridesmaids. When Kath & Lenny came over to Sheffield to get married we went to their wedding.
I travelled over to America with Carol, Chris & Val to celebrate Kath's 60th Birthday and we had such a good time.
I am so sad for her passing, Kath was a thoughtful, kind & generous person and she shall be sadly missed.
May she rest in peace. Margaret xx
I travelled over to America with Carol, Chris & Val to celebrate Kath's 60th Birthday and we had such a good time.
I am so sad for her passing, Kath was a thoughtful, kind & generous person and she shall be sadly missed.
May she rest in peace. Margaret xx
July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015
I worked with Kathy in the early seventies in Madrid ,We became friends and Lenny was always around I called them "The Love Birds,"
We had lots of good times,Kath was very special
A big light has gone out, miss you Maggie.
We had lots of good times,Kath was very special
A big light has gone out, miss you Maggie.
July 7, 2015
July 7, 2015
I was so sad when I got Carol's call yesterday. We go back a long way Kath, over 60 years, back to when we both lived in Neepsend, with the ever present smell of Stones' brewery. A lot of our childhood was spent together at Woodside School, brownies at Helen Wilson Settlement, swimming at Upperthorpe Baths (not forgetting bath tickets) and Rivelin paddling pool. Happy days! I also remember the day your mum passed away and how shocked we all were. Life changed for you then, you moved house and we lost touch, till our unexpected reunion in 2001 which was lovely.
My thoughts are with you Lenny, you and Kath had something very special.
I'll never forget you Kath. X
My thoughts are with you Lenny, you and Kath had something very special.
I'll never forget you Kath. X
July 7, 2015
July 7, 2015
I met Kathy in Spain. The year was 1974. She walked into the room where Lenny introduced me to her ....half woman ....half plaster mummy! She had been in a car crash just prior and had a broken neck. She was in a solid plaster cast from the waist to the top of her head! Only her face and ears were exposed. She was in such good spirits about it all. I thought it was remarkable! She never let it slow her down one bit! She could do anything the rest of us could do. She even tried to board a Roller Coaster at an amusement park in Madrid! They refused to let her on but she tried to convince the operator she was fine in spite of her body cast! They still refused but she really wanted to ride that thing! What a woman! I love you Kate and I miss you so much!
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Kathy, you will be greatly missed. You have left your imprint on every person you met with your ready smile and laughter. I know your spirit lives on to watch over your family and friends as that was most important to you. A person could see how very much you and Lenny loved each other by your support of each other. Not goodbye but see you later..Kate
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Life given us by nature is short, but the memories of a well spent life last’s forever.
From the very first time I met Kathy her beautiful smile not to mention her English accent was and shall always be forever in my thoughts. When Lenny came home from Spain and told me he had fallen in love, I knew this girl had to be special. Each of us find our own happiness in life, and Kathy gave a part of that to each and everyone of us, especially Lenny.
From the very first time I met Kathy her beautiful smile not to mention her English accent was and shall always be forever in my thoughts. When Lenny came home from Spain and told me he had fallen in love, I knew this girl had to be special. Each of us find our own happiness in life, and Kathy gave a part of that to each and everyone of us, especially Lenny.
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Through Kathy's smile, you became a part of her world. She was the person who could put you at ease with her easy manner, a reassuring smile and a bit of English humor. When you were with Kath you always felt like her friend. She was always interested in what you had to say and open to any conversation. Lenny and Kathy were each other's balance. Kathy admiration for Lenny was present in any setting. She adored the man she had married so many years ago. There is a special place for Kathy. Keep the tea warm till we meet again.
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
"Kathy you leave us all with the most fondest and loving memories ever..
So So happy that you were part of our lives. Always full of fun and happiness.
A dearest friend that will always be in our hearts." XXXX
So So happy that you were part of our lives. Always full of fun and happiness.
A dearest friend that will always be in our hearts." XXXX
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Kath always loved and cared for her family and friends as they were very important to her, and she would show this in many ways.
I remember that 1998 was a terrible year for Kath, so I was shocked, surprised, overwhelmed, and very happy to see her when later that year, she turned up as my surprise guest at my 50th birthday party. I couldn't believe that she had travelled all that way on her own to see me, but she said she just wanted to be there. At the party there were lots of tears, hugs and kisses from everyone for her, that was some party, and Kath didn't stop dancing or talking all night, she was simply the belle off the ball. That was my sister.
Although for many years we lived in different countries we always kept in touch, and shared what was happening within our families. We would get together as often as we could with our husbands Lenny and Chris, and our good friends Val and Bob either in Sheffield or Phoenix. We just used to pick up where we left off as though we had never been apart, we had great times together, great adventures, lots of laughter, chatting, and a few drinks or two along the way. Happy days, happy memories that will never leave us.
The tears we shed, and the heartache we feel, is the price we pay for losing someone we love, and Kath was loved so very much.
Kath was my sister, and my friend for 65 years...how lucky was I.
I will love and miss her....forever.
Goodnight, God Bless sis. xx
I remember that 1998 was a terrible year for Kath, so I was shocked, surprised, overwhelmed, and very happy to see her when later that year, she turned up as my surprise guest at my 50th birthday party. I couldn't believe that she had travelled all that way on her own to see me, but she said she just wanted to be there. At the party there were lots of tears, hugs and kisses from everyone for her, that was some party, and Kath didn't stop dancing or talking all night, she was simply the belle off the ball. That was my sister.
Although for many years we lived in different countries we always kept in touch, and shared what was happening within our families. We would get together as often as we could with our husbands Lenny and Chris, and our good friends Val and Bob either in Sheffield or Phoenix. We just used to pick up where we left off as though we had never been apart, we had great times together, great adventures, lots of laughter, chatting, and a few drinks or two along the way. Happy days, happy memories that will never leave us.
The tears we shed, and the heartache we feel, is the price we pay for losing someone we love, and Kath was loved so very much.
Kath was my sister, and my friend for 65 years...how lucky was I.
I will love and miss her....forever.
Goodnight, God Bless sis. xx
July 4, 2015
July 4, 2015
Heaven has gained a true angel, and for Lenny and all of us who were lucky enough to have met such a beautiful lady, we are left to gather our memories of love, happiness and that smile :)
I have known Auntie Kath for just a short time of 8 years and alike all the family she welcomed me in with open arms & she was such a genuinely amazing, funny and interesting lady. We shared time here in Sheffield and my most fondest memory was our trip to Castleton, she loved visiting and had lots of memories & stories whilst we was there. Our only regret was, myself & Andrew never got to travel to visit you both in Phoenix to see your lovely home and share this with you,
Andrew, was lucky to have you in his whole life, across the mile he loved to talk about his auntie & cowboy uncle who lived in Phoenix and dreamed about one day visiting you both. He has so many happy memories of you both & spending time with you when you visited.
You was a lady who had such a warm smile, which lit up a room and we shall miss you
Your loving nephew Andy & Laura xxx
I have known Auntie Kath for just a short time of 8 years and alike all the family she welcomed me in with open arms & she was such a genuinely amazing, funny and interesting lady. We shared time here in Sheffield and my most fondest memory was our trip to Castleton, she loved visiting and had lots of memories & stories whilst we was there. Our only regret was, myself & Andrew never got to travel to visit you both in Phoenix to see your lovely home and share this with you,
Andrew, was lucky to have you in his whole life, across the mile he loved to talk about his auntie & cowboy uncle who lived in Phoenix and dreamed about one day visiting you both. He has so many happy memories of you both & spending time with you when you visited.
You was a lady who had such a warm smile, which lit up a room and we shall miss you
Your loving nephew Andy & Laura xxx
July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015
The hardest part of of losing someone you love, isn't having to say that final goodbye, but rather learning to live without them. So many wonderful memories and I'm honored to say that I have known such an amazing woman for my entire life.
I just miss you....
I just miss you....
July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015
I met Kathy after shortly after she married Lenny & moved to Michigan. We had some great times together, doing crazy stupid things up north in the snow. Then they moved to Arizona and we lost touch with them for a while. In the late 90's we re-connected and it was just like old times. Horseback riding adventures in the mountains...their band entertained at a millennial New Years party we had in Sierra Vista. Kathy danced all night long & got everyone else up to dance. They were our witnesses in Show Low when I remarried . I have such good memories of good times. Kathy was indeed a fun-loving wonderful woman. Those of you who had her close were blessed with her friendly, giving nature. My heart goes out to you, Lenny. With much love to a wonderful family.
July 2, 2015
July 2, 2015
Kathy has been part of my life for 40 years.I met her when she first came to the States with Lenny in Michigan. She was so fun to be with and I loved having a British sister-in-law.It was wonderful to meet her British family when they came to the US and her many friends. She and Lenny were always with us camping, at pool parties at my house in Scottsdale and every family gathering. Even when we moved to Washington state she and Len came to visit and more fun times. She always loved to sing and loved my daughter dearly. She was taken too soon and will be dearly missed. Love you Kath!!!
July 2, 2015
July 2, 2015
"Kath was my best friend in the world, we met at school in 1961 and soon became firm friends, we chose our boyfriends together in our early teenage years and after leaving school we got employment at the same place, life was always filled with fun and laughter. We worked abroad together, this is where Kath met her beloved husband Lenny. So many wonderful memories, she will always be in my heart, I loved her dearly, Val."
July 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
Nearly four decades of Kathy's friendship has left me with wonderful memories of camping and boating trips, desert hikes, Mexican holidays, New Year's Eve celebrations, and journeys back to the places of our birth.
Losing her has also left me with a very big whole in my heart.
Best friends forever. Beth
Losing her has also left me with a very big whole in my heart.
Best friends forever. Beth
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
June 26, 2016
June 26, 2016
Kathy your smile and laughter will never be forgotten. With Love and memories. Ron!
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Happy birthday Kathy! I know your throwing a party, you are missed.
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Oh Kathy.....I know you are tuning in from way out yonder.....I had this page up yesterday then went searching for an angel.....and well.....hours later and late like you used to be....Hopefully I can upload one
Gallery
She loved being with family...Thanksgiving 2010
Always a smile for my camera!
A short hike with her beloved Lenny...always guiding the way!
At Dave's 60th Birthday Party
Mum, Kath, me and Richard. 2001
Lenny, Kath, me and Richard. 2001
Uncle Lenny, Auntie Kath, Dad and Mom; probably in Vegas!
Getting me drunk in Mexico!
Telling me a story at my moms 50th birthday party
Recent stories
July 2, 2015
by Carol Axford
Late 70's in Phoenix AZ
July 2, 2015
I was going to wait until tomorrow to compose myself and tell you about some of the many memories i have of Kath and I, but darn it....reading your words Lenny, got me flowing tears again, and I thought...write something, for godssake...NOW...you can always add more later.....It's just that I always thought there would be a later....
I met Kath in Ibiza also.....and we fast became friends, being Northern gals and all.....there were quite a few of us, and we did everything together...In our time we were tour-guides, photographers, and barmaids, and there was always, always laughter! And kath always had a better tan than everyone else. Even though we hadn't seen each other for many years, the memories of those sunfilled days have stayed.
One memory is of Kath and I in Morocco....we travelled all the way inland to Rabat in search of a couple of sheepskin coats that were all the rage...
We managed to barter and thought we'd come up with a great deal until the realisation later hit that the wool was so thick on the inside we could hardly get our arms through the sleeves....no problem says Kath and we got to work shearing some of the wool off....I say some, but when we left the hotel the next day we left behind a mound that could have easily knitted up a dozen sweaters. We were so proud of those coats, long and white (well until the dirt that is) and we didn't want to admit it but they had a strange smell and were as stiff as a board....i often wonder if they were long haired albino camels!
Oh Kath....I do have some wonderful memories of our adventures and talks over the years even though we were miles apart. You and Lenny were made for each other and not everyone gets to love as you two....it's your laughter and sense of fun I shall miss....I've become all too serious in my pensioner years.....perhaps it's time to go looking for another camelskin.
I am in Spain at the moment and will have to post the photos another time.
Your spirit lives on,
xxxPauline
My Sweet Kathleen
July 2, 2015
by Lenny Axford
My sweet Kathleen,
I write these words not so much for you, for I know you no longer have need of words, but for those who may pass by and pause to read them, so that they would know how much I have loved you and that I love you still. You have been the source of my strength and the fuel for the fire that has burned within me. You have made me more, so much more than I otherwise would have been and now, without you, I am so very much less than I was. My dear, most wonderful, most excellent wife, my absolute best friend, you have loved me, cared for me and taught me so much. Being loved by you and being allowed to love you in return has been the greatest privilege of my life.
But now I have lost you and my heart is broken. I know I will live on for the time that I have left and both happiness and sorrow still await me, but behind every smile and every tear yet to come will be thoughts of you...and the world for me, from this time onward, will be an emptier, lonelier place, now that you no longer cast your shadow on this earth.
Good bye my love, my little Yorkshire Rose, safe journey. I will forever love you and I will forever miss you, my sweet Kathleen.
Your loving husband,
Your Lenny