MUSIC was the love of singer Catherine Donlan's life, so it was only fitting a jazz band should lead the procession at her funeral service.

The Pendle Jazzmen played her favourite song 'Georgia on My Mind' as Catherine was laid to rest in Nelson Cemetery yesterday, on what would have been her 55th birthday, during a moving ceremony.

A birthday gift of a Garfield balloon from her husband, John, was tied to a band member's drum as the Jazzmen played at the graveside.

Catherine, who was known as Katie, lost a four-year battle against cancer last Tuesday. She died at her home in Walton Lane, Nelson, with John beside her. She was well known on the Pendle pub and club circuit.

"She was always singing," said John. "She never liked anyone making a fuss of her, but I wanted to make a fuss of her at the service." Colin Mason, the band's administrator, said: "We led the mourners, playing as we went, to the graveside and then played a couple of tunes there. Her husband requested 'Just A Closer Walk with Thee,' 'Georgia on My Mind' and 'When The Saints Go Marching In.'"

The couple are originally from Halifax and moved to Nelson in 1971. They ran shops in Nelson and Colne, selling toys and models in the 70s. Catherine sang at a number of venues around the area, including The Crown Hotel, Colne and The Good Night Club, Nelson.

She leaves her husband, nine children, Mark, Jason, Louise, Leilani, Sara, Bonnie, Miranda, Shannon and Wayland, 11 grandchildren, three brothers and a sister.

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