State to Give Elderly Woman ‘Paupers’ Funeral’ Unless Family Found
Patricia Lambert, 86, faces a paupers’ funeral paid for by the state unless a family member comes forward soon. The pensioner died in Paphos on January 11, but her next of kin remain a mystery.
Squatters in Apartment as Fraud Hits Bank Account
Financial investigator Ken Corlett, from the Isle of Man Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, revealed shocking details. Fraudulent cash withdrawals have been made from Patricia’s Isle of Man bank account following her death. Meanwhile, squatters—described as aggressive Bulgarian men—are currently occupying her apartment in Kato Paphos.
“A group of aggressive Bulgarian men that don’t speak English are occupying her apartment and the Paphos police have done nothing to evict them. Officers said they couldn’t act unless a family member stepped forward,” a friend told the Cyprus Mail.
Desperate Search for Relatives Hits Dead End
Corlett has exhausted every lead trying to find Patricia’s family. Patricia, née West, was born on 26 February 1934 and held a UK passport. She worked in the UK before retiring from Peabody Foods in Surrey in 1983. However, there is no current trace of any relatives or next of kin. Local lawyers, friends, insurance, and DWP records have all come up blank.
“I even tried a local pub to appeal for information, but nothing came of it,” said Corlett.
Attempts to verify her previous marriages and locate a relative named Rosemary Lambert have also failed. Social media searches have been inconclusive due to the commonality of her name.
Friends Appeal: Help Give Patricia a Proper Burial
Patricia had a partner, John, who died months before her. Friends say his death deeply affected her health. Now Patricia’s body remains at Paphos General Hospital, awaiting burial arrangements.
“The poor soul is now dumped in a morgue and forgotten. She deserves a decent burial at least. She can’t be buried like an anonymous pauper while squatters are enjoying her estate and spending her money,” a close friend said.
The British High Commission in Nicosia confirmed they hold Patricia’s passport but have been unable to locate her family. The law states that if no relatives come forward within about a year, the state steps in to arrange a basic funeral in an unmarked grave.
Corlett has reached out to Surrey Police for help but was referred to local radio stations instead.
If you have any information that could help locate Patricia’s relatives, contact Ken Corlett at [email protected] or the Cyprus Mail at [email protected].
