My Mum, 7th June 1925 - 26th November 2007My mum, Marguerite or Maggie as she was known to her friends was born in Southsea in 7th June1925, the second of two children in a Naval family. Bought up during the war in such a place could not have been easy but she never mentioned it. As a youngster she suffered TB but only spoke of the fun in her brother Howard pushing her wheel chair.
The sea and water played a big part in her life and subsequently ours with many paintings in our house as testimony.
This spirit of adventure was evident throughout her life.
On leaving school she enlisted the British military Mission and went to Cairo in 1945 then on to Greece. These places, the people and experiences they bought always remained fond memories for her.
She met my father John at the Portsmouth sailing club and after an initial poor impression bought about by her adventurous attire, married in 1951.
Her spirit of adventure continued with their first house being a converted motor torpedo boat where the family started with Rupert.
She inspired my father to complete his university education then on moving to Reading, devoted the next few years to the family.
From 1968 to on 1971 we lived in Zambia where I have clear memories of her running the the house and starting on the journey of her real passion in life art.
On returning to Britain and moving to Scotland she ambitiously undertook her dream of studying art at the Edinburgh College of Art. I can clearly remember the hours she put into this and us. We often comment on how she would be hoovering the house at midnight and through redoubling her effort achieve the dual roles of mother and student.
She made us a comfortable, stylish, beautiful and different home and put a real effort into things like Christmas and parties. Her sense of design we still apply in our own way.
She was immensely loyal to each and every member of her family in an unconditional manner.
On completing her programme she put her efforts into the education and enlightenment of others. It was this part of her life that was really, to my mind, the most fulfilling personally for her. She had the opportunity to exercise her skills, help many others and make many friends. She could bring pictures to life for others.
Gentleness, a sense of humour, fun, playfulness, liveliness and artistic flair – some of the words others use to describe her.
In recent years she attended the Eric Liddell day centre; a group that does superb work in supporting and providing a fulfilling direct for others. As a lively participant, I do believe it was her who introduced dance to the group who had perhaps thought those days a little in the past.
In all things she was a very generous person. Of her time, inspiration, possessions and good will. Of her council – not always wanted but usually needed.
To me personally she has left a big legacy. She seemed to have a confidence in others that that at times we did not have in ourselves. She was an excellent judge of girlfriends!
The sea and water played a big part in her life and subsequently ours with many paintings in our house as testimony.
This spirit of adventure was evident throughout her life.
On leaving school she enlisted the British military Mission and went to Cairo in 1945 then on to Greece. These places, the people and experiences they bought always remained fond memories for her.
She met my father John at the Portsmouth sailing club and after an initial poor impression bought about by her adventurous attire, married in 1951.
Her spirit of adventure continued with their first house being a converted motor torpedo boat where the family started with Rupert.
She inspired my father to complete his university education then on moving to Reading, devoted the next few years to the family.
From 1968 to on 1971 we lived in Zambia where I have clear memories of her running the the house and starting on the journey of her real passion in life art.
On returning to Britain and moving to Scotland she ambitiously undertook her dream of studying art at the Edinburgh College of Art. I can clearly remember the hours she put into this and us. We often comment on how she would be hoovering the house at midnight and through redoubling her effort achieve the dual roles of mother and student.
She made us a comfortable, stylish, beautiful and different home and put a real effort into things like Christmas and parties. Her sense of design we still apply in our own way.
She was immensely loyal to each and every member of her family in an unconditional manner.
On completing her programme she put her efforts into the education and enlightenment of others. It was this part of her life that was really, to my mind, the most fulfilling personally for her. She had the opportunity to exercise her skills, help many others and make many friends. She could bring pictures to life for others.
Gentleness, a sense of humour, fun, playfulness, liveliness and artistic flair – some of the words others use to describe her.
In recent years she attended the Eric Liddell day centre; a group that does superb work in supporting and providing a fulfilling direct for others. As a lively participant, I do believe it was her who introduced dance to the group who had perhaps thought those days a little in the past.
In all things she was a very generous person. Of her time, inspiration, possessions and good will. Of her council – not always wanted but usually needed.
To me personally she has left a big legacy. She seemed to have a confidence in others that that at times we did not have in ourselves. She was an excellent judge of girlfriends!
Although she has gone from us physically, to me she gave me still makes up a big part of my everyday life.
posted by Oliver Crane at TBLOD @ Sunday, December 02, 2007
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