Mary

chriskhSun 20/04/08 18:00

Today at 11.55 my Grandmother Mary died. She had been ill for about 6 weeks, but recently had become seriously unwell. She leaves behind 2 daughters, 4 grand children and 3 great grandchildren whom all love her very much.

Mary was an amazing lady. One was always greeted with a smile and a kiss, and practically the first thing out of her mouth would be 'now darling, what can I get you?' A consumate hostess, she was always cooking something gorgeous and there were always lovely sweet things in her pantry. As she aged, her mind wandered, sometimes resulting in some hysterical near disasters with things going up in flames accompanied by gales of laughter.

She was born in Chile in 1915 and at the age of 7, was sent to England for schooling until the age of 14. She did not see her parents for 7 years owing to the fact the it took a month to reach Chile from these shores. The stories that she tells about her misbehaviour in Chilean High Society and that of others are legendary. One could always be guaranteed a good luagh in her company.

Many hours have been spent talking about politics and any other subject that came to mind, and after leaving an evening with her, one would feel that one's intellect had been well and truly tested.

We all came from Chile at the beginning of the 70's to live in England and have been here ever since. The Chilean side of our heritage has always been to the fore, with Mary waving the flag as we spoke a mixture of English and Spanish whilst munching on Empanadas and Alfajores. Wonderful. She always insisted on having sugar with her strawberries regardless of their sweetness.

I have a picture of her in my mind, a peacock feather sticking out of the pavement where she had fallen down a huge hole on the way home from a swanky do in Concepcion, our home town.

Mary was an incredible character who got through the crises of her parents' deaths at an early age, having to raise her siblings practically on her own. She had to leave her country to escape the political situation brought on by the despotic rule of President Allende. Having left her home and many belongings in Chile due to the limit on container space that we all had to share, she rebuilt a life here with our Grandfather Harry. He died nearly 30 years ago, and she has spoken to him every day since, retelling the ridiculous and absurd things that happened on a regular basis.

We never called her 'Grannie' or 'Nan, always Mary. We were talking today about her funeral, and realised, that as a much loved lady, there are likely to be many people who want to say goodbye to one of the greatest and grandest ladies one could ever hope to meet.

Goodbye Mary darling.

Rest in peace.

johnandsurajSun 20/04/08 18:04

Our hearts go out to you XX

tigg_in_brumSun 20/04/08 18:04

I'm sorry about Mary's passing, but it sounds as if you've got some great memories of her. Cherish these and she will still live with you.

All the best, a *hug* in support.