Singing superstar Engelbert Humperdinck has penned a touching tribute poem to his sister, who has died, aged 82.
The Leicester legend, who divides his time between Los Angeles and Great Glen, with his wife Pat, wrote the loving ode to his big sister, Celine Ayton.
Jacqui Holford, niece to Celine and Engelbert, said: "It is a lovely thing for Uncle Enge to do. The poem is sweet and everyone loves it."
Engelbert was moved to words after Celine died last week following a long battle with illness.
Mrs Holford, who lives in Leicester, said Celine was married to former Leicester City player Jimmy Ayton, who died a few years ago. She also worked as manageress at Roses Fashion Centre, in High Street, Leicester, and was the house-keeper at her parish church.
She said: "Auntie Celine was a strong character, always there for everybody else, in person or at the other end of the phone.
"She was a giver, not a taker. Her son, Tommy, said she always saved her change in a big bottle and when it was full she would cash it in and give it to her chosen charity."
Celine, who lived in Leicester, had two sons, Kenny and Tommy, and a daughter Theresa.
Mrs Holford said: "She was a granny and a great-granny to a beautiful family, whom she adored and spent many happy hours with."
Mrs Ayton was one of 10 siblings – seven sisters and three brothers – to their mother, Olive Dorsey. She is the first of the 10 to die.
Mrs Holford said: "She has left a huge void in all our lives and, to each and every one of us, she has left memories that we will all cherish.
"Auntie Celine cared full-time for both of my grandparents and was always lively and full of fun. There is so much more we can say about her, she was much loved and will be missed."
Mrs Holford said that Engelbert is unable to attend the funeral as he is tending to his sick wife in America.
She said: "Uncle Enge is torn between his beloved sister and the recuperation of his wife. As soon as he is able, he will come home to support his family."
A family funeral will be held on June 7, at 12.15pm, at St Peter's Church, in Hinckley Road, Leicester.
MY DEAREST SISTER CELINE, The poem by Enge We know you are an angel You already had your wings You gave your life to giving and prayed for humble things You cared for darling mum and dad You loved your family so Your door was always open It's so hard to let you go 'Til we meet at the Father's table We shall gather around our own And share the precious memories That made "209" our home Kiss mum and dad for us. Engelbert, Patricia, Louise, Jason, Scott, Bradley
