This week, a crematorium in Luton, England looked more like it was hosting a Halloween party than a funeral. But those close to the late Lorna Johnson say: That's just the kind of memorial she would have wanted.
Johnson, who passed away in June at age 56 after a battle with lung cancer, is survived by her son Neil Johnson. He explained the presence of mourners dressed as witches and other magical creatures at his mother's funeral, telling The Guardian, "My mum’s favourite time of year was Halloween. We always had parties, dressed up, decorated the house. The kids loved it, we loved it. It was something we always did."
Johnson's family went all-out with their costumes, including Neil dressing up as the Tasmanian devil and Lorna's daughters costumed as witches. Even the funeral director got into the spirit of the playful tribute to the 56-year-old mother and grandmother; he dressed as Darth Vader.
After an unconventional funeral (complete with indie rock and trance music) those who gathered to remember Lorna got together for a party. As her son explains, "She would have been well up for it; it’s the type of person she was. She always wanted a party."
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