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BERNADETTE CROUCH DIES
Remembering England’s First Lady
14/05/1981 – Bernadette Crouch, wife of Bartemius Crouch, Sr. and the First Lady of wizarding Britain, passed away in her home in Brighton early yesterday evening. Her death comes as a tragic and unexpected blow following recent turmoil and civil unrest. Officials have cited her death as being the result of complications from a lifelong condition. She was 42 years old.

Bernadette was born on 17 December, 1939, in Barloz, Belgium. She lived there with her loving father until they immigrated to England, where Bernadette spent her childhood. She attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where she was placed into Gryffindor house, awarded the academic honours of Prefect and of Head Girl, and graduated with well-deserved NEWTs at the age of 18. Berndette worked for several years with an independent community advocacy centre in South London, until retiring just before the birth of her only son to devote her time to her small but cherished family. She was a respected supporter of all officers of the Magical Law Enforcement, participating in campaigns and benefits up until the time of her death. Family and friends will remember her as a gracious, resilient woman with a deeply generous nature. She was a great source of strength to those around her and will be missed always by her family, friends, and community.

She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Minister for Magic Bartemius Crouch, Sr.; son, Bartemius Crouch, Jr.; sisters-in-law Henrietta Crouch and Madrona Crouch, as well as many dear friends. A private service and interment will be held for family members. The family ask that remembrances of Bernadette's life be directed to Walcott & Sons Funeral Home in Brighton.

MEDICAL SERVICES STILL SUFFERING Foreign aid not expected LONDON – The death toll from last weekend’s attack on St. Mungo’s continues to rise as medical services face delays and cut-backs. Though dedicated potioneers are working ceaselessly to resupply the nation’s pharmaceutical stock, officials are reporting that at least forty people have died since recovery efforts began and many more are in critical condition. Healers have called for international aid in this crisis. However, following the direct destruction of ICW headquarters in London, foreign relations has been strained and international governments hesitant to become involved in what they see as truly volatile and sensitive situation unfolding in Britain. Officials are undeterred by the stale response from foreign dignitaries.

The Minister has released an official statement on the matter, noting that: “For many years we have been happy to share our resources with the world and have maintained mutually beneficial relations with many foreign administrations. Right now it is certain that we deserve a great portion of these international revenues to keep our people safe, our infrastructure intact, and to acknowledge what the people of Britain are contributing to global security, both for us and for our muggle neighbours. The fight that is taking place in our backyard is not a failure on our behalf. One look at how much work every man and woman in the country have and are putting into these efforts shows that we are doing more than ever before. With this boundless dedication, our success and recovery will be celebrated as ours. The aftershock of this war-crime cannot force us to be terrorised into doubt.” Though recovery efforts continue to be grim, the Ministry remains optimistic that the nation will pull forward in the face of such uncertainty.

PROMINENT REPORTER FOUND DEAD Rita Skeeter’s body recovered from apartment block SUTTON – Rita Skeeter (30), a well known journalist who has contributed to numerous publications – including the Daily Prophet – was discovered dead in her flat early this morning. Officials estimate Miss. Skeeter to have been dead for at least fifteen days before complaints about a terrible odour prompted her landlord to investigate. The remains, though badly decomposed, were still readily identifiable. Less clear, however, was the cause of death. Aurors on the scene found definite signs of forced entry and strongly believe foul play was at work. No signs of involvement from You-Know-Who’s followers was evidenced. Investigation is ongoing and the DMLE urge anyone with further information to come forward.