"SHE was not just one in a million, she was one in a billion."
That was the moving tribute to June Parry from her husband after the couple had been together 45 years.
The woman known to generations as "The Aramis Lady at Binns" died in the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, Grimsby on her 68th birthday, with relatives by her side.
Frank said she had suffered a short illness bravely and died on June 3.
He thanked all their friends for the 300 cards of sympathy and 50 bouquets received during her illness and after her death.
Frank said: "She was a magnet to people. It did not matter where she went, even in New York or London, people wanted to talk to her. She was a truly marvellous person.
"She had this power, but never ever used it in a bad way. She always had a kind expression.
"Children were always fascinated with her nails. They were her own. She would always get compliments from shoppers because she was immaculate. It was always me who washed and ironed her blouses. I took her to work and picked her up."
He added: "She loved her job. It was her life. There was hardly a day when she was not happy to go to work. She won countless awards for her promotions and targets. She travelled to New York twice, Atlanta City and it was always five-star travel and hotels. She won TV sets, washing machines and holidays.
"She wanted to work until she was 70 years old."
During her glittering career as an ambassador for Aramis, she met Estee Lauder, who let her sit in her chair in New York and she has received letters from Leonard Lauder. She was appointed an ambassador in 1992.
Frank told how June was invited to be an Aramis training manager in London, but the couple declined because of their desire not to leave Cleethorpes.
Both June and Frank had worked in America for two years early on in their careers, before returning to Cleethorpes.
Frank, who formerly worked as a jeweller, said he hoped a plaque could be erected at House Of Fraser in memory of June.
Around 300 mourners packed into Grimsby Minster to say farewell to June, who was described as "part of Grimsby."
Reverend Steve Holt conducted the service, which included poems and stories about her career.
A shrine was set out in the perfume section of the department store and included love heart earrings, a tiara, a pink feather boa and photographs and messages from customers and colleagues.
Joanne McLoughlin, store manager at House Of Fraser, Grimsby, said: "We are deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts are with June's family, friends and colleagues. June Parry was extremely passionate and dedicated to her work and the wider community, with 38 years' service at House Of Fraser, Grimsby. June will be sorely missed by both her colleagues and regular customers."
She was carried into the minster in a white coffin with a garland of red flowers, to the tune of Memory by Andrew Lloyd Webber from the West End hit Cats.
Aramis director of education Kim Cowan told mourners at the service how she started at Selfridges in London.
She said: "June was completely focussed with Aramis. She was driven. She was inspirational and also warm and supportive and a true ambassador for Estee Lauder.
"To June the glass was always half full. She made Aramis her life's work. She wanted to be the Number One ambassador everyday of her 38 years."
She added: "Everywhere she went she sprinkled her tiara dust and was ever the optimist."
Her tribute was greeted with spontaneous applause.
The congregation also heard of the story when she was mistaken as a United Nations ambassador instead of the Aramis ambassador and received the red carpet treatment at a top London restaurant after watching a show in the West End, from The Royal Box.
Niece Clare Plumley said: "She was the closest thing to Joan Collins. She would do my hair and make-up and made me feel like a princess."
Other niece Heather Ibbotson read the poem The Rose Beyond The Wall.
It read: "A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall and as the days passed swiftly by it spread its branches straight and tall.
"One day a beam of light shone through a crevasse that had opened wide. The rose bent gently towards its warmth then passed beyond to the other side.
"Now you who deeply feel its loss be comforted, the rose blooms there. Its beauty ever greater now nurtured by God's own loving care."
Mr Holt told how June had first met husband Frank at a dance at The Beachcomber in Humberston in 1969 after he asked her for a dance.
He said that wherever they travelled either in Manchester or New York passersby always recognised her as "The Aramis Lady".
Former colleague and friend Roberta Tonge said: "June was part of Grimsby. She was always very glamorous and a beautiful lady. She always made you feel good. Everyone loved her. She could sell sand to the Arabians."
![June Parry - The Aramis Lady at Binns store in Grimsby: Husband's loving tribute to Houwe of Fraser legend]( "June Parry - The Aramis Lady at Binns store in Grimsby: Husband's loving tribute to Houwe of Fraser legend")
