18
May
'Heartbroken’ sister of Harrogate shopkeeper says everyone welcome at funeral
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The funeral of a Harrogate shopkeeper whose sudden death led to a wave of floral tributes will be held tomorrow (May 19).
Claire Lewis ran the convenience store Number One Shop on Electric Avenue in the New Park area of the town for many years.
She worked hard to keep the business going despite the arrival of the nearby Tesco supermarket last year, which caused long-term roadworks outside the shop.
About 20 floral tributes and messages were left outside Number One Shop after Claire died this month.
Her sister, Samantha Stewart, contacted the Stray Ferret to thank people for raising £2,000 for her funeral costs on the fundraising page gofundme and said everyone is welcome to attend the funeral.
It will be held at Stonefall Crematorium on Wetherby Road at 11.40am and be followed by a wake at the Empress On the Stray pub at Church Square.
Samantha said she couldn’t believe the amount of tributes paid to Claire when she visited the shop. She added:
I can’t thank the community of Harrogate enough for the love they have shown for our Claire and how much they thought of her, and we couldn’t believe the gofundme page which was set up in her name
As a family we are heartbroken by her sudden death, but we do take some comfort knowing how much she meant to everyone.
Claire Lewis, pictured outside her shop in August 2025.
The shop is currently operating reduced opening hours following Claire’s death.
A sign on the door today, alongside the funeral notice, said it will be closed on the day of the funeral.
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