HUNDREDS of mourners packed out a church to celebrate the life of a “very special” mother-of two who died after going missing from her home over the Easter weekend.

Russell Claydon

HUNDREDS of mourners packed out a church to celebrate the life of a “very special” mother-of two who died after going missing from her home over the Easter weekend.

The funeral of Michele Wood was held yesterday at St Luke's Church, in Cliff Lane, Ipswich.

A packed service saw 400 people turn up to the service to say their farewells in a celebration of her life.

Mrs Wood, a practice nurse at Ravenswood Medical Practice, was found dead on a farm in Nacton on March 26, after going missing from her home in Medway Road on Easter Monday.

The Rev Paul Daltry, who conducted the service, said: “It was a very real celebration of her life. One of great faith with a positive spirit but a very realistic grief spirit as well.

“About 400 people united around a very special lady who is no longer with us but will not be quickly forgotten.”

The service, which began at 12.30pm, saw two of Mrs Wood's closest friends read out prayers and Canon David Meikle, of St Luke's parish, read a eulogy containing tributes from her parents Ken and Marlene Mann.

Four of Mrs Wood's favourite hymns, including All Things Bright and Beautiful, were sung as well as Bible readings.

The church was packed with flowers and a rainbow - which she believed to be a sign of God - was made for the top of her coffin.

Mrs Wood, a dedicated Christian and parishioner at St Luke's, was reported missing at 5.40pm on Easter Monday by her husband, who had last seen her at 9.40am that day.

Rev Daltry, also a family friend, said that it was believed Mrs Wood's stress-related illness took an unexpected and sudden turn for the worse, which drove her to take her own life.

“Michele was a real, loving, caring friend to so many people, someone of such unreserved faith and dedication,” he said. “The turn of events was totally unexpected and has hurt a lot of people but that was not Michele but the sickness. We celebrated a wonderful woman today who served this community very well over many years and it was a community funeral.”

She leaves behind her husband Pete, 20-year-old daughter, Hannah and 16-year-old son Ben.