It’s Mum’s Funeral tomorrow and I thought I would share here some younger pictures of her and the words I wrote which will be read by my dear cousin Sue:
Love multiplies it does not divide and that love was tangible in mum’s last days. Not only the love you gave her in visiting or telephoning for updates but the love she had for all of you. Mum loved until the very end when the Lord called her home.
If I had to sum up Mum in one word it would be faithful:
She was a faithful and loving daughter to my Nan and Grandad. Even from a young age she was helping out around the home.
Mum left school at the age of fifteen and her first job was at Home and Colonial a small supermarket. She enjoyed working behind the counter and interacting with customers but an injury sustained at work meant she could no longer continue.
Mum then found employment in the accounts department at Vickers and she remained there until my birth in 1967. As a result of that job and her love of numbers she learned book keeping, and she faithfully kept a weekly accounts book up until her admission to hospital on the 13th February.
In early married life Mum stretched the budget as far as possible and this often meant her going without so that others were provided for, but that was just typical of her nature.
She was faithful in her vocation as wife and mother, providing a loving, supportive and well ordered home. As a Mum in Law she welcomed Dave and Heather into the family home and most importantly into her heart.
She was faithful in her role as a ‘Second Mum’ to Paddy, Maureen, Theresa and David. It’s been lovely to hear of their remembrances of Mum when they were growing up, including the long anticipated visit of Dad calling for Mum on their first date. Everyone lined up eagerly to catch a glimpse of this chap, only to be met with pitch blackness, as the whole estate was plunged into darkness as a result of a power cut!
She was a loving Nan and Gran Nan and enjoyed visits, telephone calls and the various WhatsApp messages, daft videos and memes. Even when technology frustrated her especially the iPad, she never gave up on taking an interest on what was going on in their world, and the blessings it brought far outweighed the hiccups.
She was faithful to all of her friends and wider family and would offer practical help and a listening ear where possible. I’m sure you will all have your own memories of her and I hope they are a real comfort to you at this time.
Mum faithfully used her gift of singing first in the Walney Amateur Dramatic Society and then with Sacred Heart Choir. I know mum was most proud of her role as Tuptim in The King and I. In addition she received a standing ovation for her rendition of ‘You will never walk alone’ in the production of Carousel. Colin also shared with me that in the early days of the choir, Patrick Black the then choir master expected folk to audition, so mum must have met his exacting standards.
Mum was faithful in her prayers which gradually increased over time and pretty much resembled a convent time table. I was tasked with finding all of the holy prayer cards and leaflets and they were dotted throughout the house - in books, cupboards and handbags. Reading her prayer list was enlightening, humbling and a real testament to a faith lived out in ordinary daily life. What I do know is that mum will continue that mission in heaven, so if you’ve ever shared a trouble or asked for her prayers, be assured you are not forgotten.
Mum you were faithful in getting up each day and dealing with all the trials and challenges that life threw at you. You’ve more than earned your rest. May you rest in peace and rise in glory.
Mum as Tuptim in The King and I.
A photo pertaining to The Flower Drum Song.
Mum second row from the front on the left.
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