Some may be more well known than others, but all had a place in someone’s heart and in our communities.
Here we make space to recognise those whose deaths have been announced in the pages of the Derbyshire Times this week.
For more details on how they will be remembered, including funeral arrangements, and how to leave your own tributes, go to legacy.com/uk/obituaries/derbyshiretimes-uk/browse.
1. Helen Hancock, Chesterfield
Born in Sheffield, Helen came to settle in Chesterfield for the past 35 years. She passed away at home, January 15, 2026, aged 58. Most recently she worked as a payroll manager for accountants BHP. A lifelong Sheffield United fan, she also served as a supervisor at Bramall Lane for nearly 30 years. She enjoyed days off socialising with family and friends and loved overseas holidays. Helen leaves behind her husband Rob, son Alex, mum and brother. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/HelenHancock26. Photo: Contributed
2. Norman Gregory, Pilsley
Born at Mill Row in Clay Cross and a resident of Pilsley for 60 years, Norman passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 90. For quarter of a century, he worked at packaging company Ashton Corrugated. Away from the factory floor, he enjoyed bowling, the card game Canasta, socialising, gardening, football, horse racing and baking. Predeceased by his wife Eileen, Norman leaves daughter Kathryn and granddaughter Chloe. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/NormanGregory. Photo: Contributed
3. Helen O'Neill, Wingerworth
Born in Bury, Helen came to settle in Wingerworth for the past 48 years. She passed away at the age of 82. Having begun her career as a maths teacher in 1965, and served in local schools and adult education centre, she finally retired in 2011. Away from the classroom, she delighted in rambling and was a member of two walking groups, participated in the village Women's Institute, played badminton and enjoyed caravan holidays and travel across Europe. Helen leaves her husband Peter, children Catherine, Anthony and Louise, and grandsons Robert and Matthew. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/HelenONeill. Photo: Contributed
4. Bernard Hand, Chesterfield
Long-time Hilltop Road resident Bernard passed away at the age of 82. A retired electrician, at one stage he also worked as a delivery driver for the Derbyshire Times. He had a passion for motorbikes, cars, and boats, and was a dedicated member of the Jaguar Owners' Club who enjoyed displaying his vehicles at shows. Bernard leaves his wife Christine, daughters Samantha and Nicola, grandchildren Sophie, Beth, Sam, Joe, Isaac, Toby, Noah, Elijah, Levi, Reuben and great-grandchildren Oliver and Esme. He was predeceased by his grandson Seth. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/BernardHand. Photo: Contributed