Ive had the privilege of knowing my grandma or mama as she was known in my younger years for 33 years. She was there when I was being born.

My earliest memory of grandma was our trips on the narrow boat and shouting are you lonesome tonight through tunnels. Grandma was a very talented artist and I remember being fascinated by the traditional narrow boat paintings she made.

Not only that she was an excellent seamstress and could turn her hand to anything. I remember when I had outgrown my bedroom curtains a new handmade set turned up a few days later.

Grandma greeted us when we visited by saying Ey Up and had her own unusual way of saying it! Grandma had recently told me it was actually Grandpa Kevin who had taught her how to do it!

When her Great Grandchildren Izzie and Charlie came along they revitalised her and gave her joy through the dark times of her illness. She idolised them. 

Whenever I used to call I was slightly dismissed and all she wanted to know was “how are my babies” and that’s how it should be.

When I asked Izzie and Charlie what was their favourite memory of their Great Baba? They told me it was when she used to pretend to be a dinosaur roar loudly and say she was going to eat us all up. 

I will always have treasured memories of our family get togethers & grandmas signature puddings of Trifle and Pavlova. She loved our childhood musical performances and would always tell me about how she used to be a dancer and took immense joy when she found out that her talent had filtered down to Izzie who does Ballet and Tap.

It isn’t often in our lives that we come across someone so special that that person stays with you forever. Grandma was that kind of person.

So, for your wisdom, your humor, tenderness and compassion, your understanding, your patience and your love; thank you, Grandma. 

I love you forever and always