A beloved community stalwart who ran a local shop in Burnage for more than two decades has died at the age of 77. Diana Hough managed Burnage Wine Stores on Burnage Lane with husband Graham from 1982 until 2008.
Also known as Di, she was lovingly compared to the likes of Joan Collins and Angie from EastEnders for her ‘glamour and smile’. Her family described her as ‘the most glamorous sister, wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunty and friend’ after she passed away on on April 29 following a short illness. In a touching tribute, daughter Carolyn Williams described Di as her ‘beautiful mum and best friend’.
Son Robert Williams told the M.E.N: “They ran the quintessential old-fashioned community shop. If they didn't have it they would get it.
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"Everyone knew Graham and Di. Over the years they had a few German Shepherd guard dogs in the shop but because my mum pampered them, they looked fierce but were soft, really.” Following news of her passing, those who met Di over the years shared memories of the shopkeeper who ‘had time for everyone’.
Family friend Alison Howell posted on Facebook: “For those that knew Diana you will remember her for her kindness, her smile and of course the glamour she brought to Burnage. Graham and Diana were part of the Burnage community for many years and there is no shop on the lane now like theirs. The shop where you could buy anything from super strong lager to a 10p mix and if they didn't have it they would have it the next day.”
Trisha Sheridan wrote: “Oh this is heartbreaking, She was always so kind to me when I was a kid! My dad would bring me in there on a Friday for my 'treat' after being good and she’d always give me a magic wand & when I was older we’d go bring the bottles back and she’d give us 13p a mix up. My thoughts and prayers are with Graham and her family. Diana will definitely be going up to heaven, she was a lady.”
Michelle Woods added: “Awe so sad to hear this. Diana and Graham were legends of the lane. Everyone knew ‘Graham’s’ they did the best mix ups. Diana was so glamorous. Thoughts with their family.”
Alison Hayes said: “Such sad news. I loved their shop. They reminded me of Den and Angie from Eastenders. So glamorous, such a lovely couple. Condolences to Graham and family.”
Katie Arthurs posted: “So very sad sending love to the family. Many memories of the shop and she was literally the most glamorous shop keeper I ever did see.” Isaac Patch said: “Oh I loved these two. Diane was the Joan Collins of Burnage. Both lovely people.”
Stephen Payne wrote: “Diane was the kindest shopkeeper I ever knew. My nana Milly went to that shop everyday and mainly at night for a sneaky can and sometimes my Nan never had enough money Diane and Graham used to let her off. She will always be a Burnage legend.”
A funeral service for Di will take place at Stockport Crematorium on May 27. It will be followed by a celebration of her life where people are being asked to wear ‘bright vibrant colours’ in reflection of her glamour. She leaves behind family members Graham, Ray, Rob, Carolyn, Ben, Elaine, Anya, Ant, Erica and Huey.
Son Rob said he ‘appreciated the very kind words’ shared about Di since her passing, before adding: “If there was a party going on in Burnage over those 25 years, it's more than likely that Di supplied the booze.”
