Poem tribute to murdered woman
A POEM written by a friend in tribute to a murdered woman was read at a village church on Tuesday before she was laid to rest. Traute Maxfield, who lived in Gustard Wood, was a regular worshipper at St Helen s Church in Wheathampstead. The 70-year-old was
A POEM written by a friend in tribute to a murdered woman was read at a village church on Tuesday before she was laid to rest.
Traute Maxfield, who lived in Gustard Wood, was a regular worshipper at St Helen's Church in Wheathampstead.
The 70-year-old was shot dead by her son-in-law Gary Weddell on either January 12, while he was on bail accused of murdering his wife, Sandra (see story below). Weddell then shot himself close to the Broomhills shooting club in Markyate.
Mrs Maxfield, a Danish-born former community care worker, was due to give evidence against Weddell, a police inspector, when he stood trial for the murder of Sandra, a mother of three, who was found hanged in the garage of the couple's Dunstable home a year ago.
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Mrs Maxfield's three children spoke about their mother's wonderful qualities at the funeral and of their own love and respect for her. She was described as caring and brave and deeply committed to her family.
In the course of the tribute from her daughter Liza, who was Sandra's twin, words were read from the Book of Proverbs which speak of a woman of great merit and creative gifts.
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The Rector of Wheathampstead, the Rev Andrew Doye, spoke on behalf of the congregation and the people of Gustard Wood when he said how well liked she was.
He described her as a generous, hospitable and prayerful person, a lady who sparkled with a light humour and who had a deeply compassionate heart. The two communities, he added, would miss her deeply.
He also spoke of the three great virtues of faith, hope and love which had found expression in Mrs Maxfield's life.
Prayers were offered in thankfulness for Mrs Maxfield's life and for all who had been shocked and saddened at her death, particularly the close family.
After the reading of the tribute poem, she was laid to rest in the churchyard in the grave of her late husband William "Max" Maxfield who died last June.
