Mum was a beautiful, kind and caring person to everyone who knew her and especially to us children. She was always willing to help out whenever the need arose. Last year when the snow fell thick and fast, she still went in to work as a laundry assistant in the nursing home for the elderly nearby. As well as doing her work in the laundry, she also took time to help feed the old folk who were unable to feed themselves. She worked right up until the end....she was 78 years of age!! What an inspiration to us all. In her earlier years she had numerous other jobs ranging from working in a cinema as an usher, to cleaning for the wealthy and also cleaning in pubs. One of the pubs mum cleaned way back in 1964 when myself (Maria)and my twin sister (Lesley) was born, was a pub called the FREEMASONS ARMS in Battersea Bridge Road...This particular job only lasted for 2 1/2 hours and was the shortest time that mum was ever employed!! The reason being......Us 3 kids!! She had to start work at 9.00am and have the pub spotlessly clean by opening time at 11.30am. In them days they had a Drum kit set up in the corner and my brother Paul, who was 5 at the time could not resist having a go...as any 5 year old would....Even when he was told to stop!....This coupled with 2 crying babies needing a feed inbetween her cleaning, had The Landlady very stressed to say the least, so when 11.30 came round and mum had finished her chores, she was told not to return!! After this she worked as a telephonist for the G.P.O as it was then called and done this for many years before working her way up the ladder and onto working for the Government. When mum finished her time with the G.P.O. she went on to work for the Nursing home at the grand age of 63, this was to be her last job and one that she really enjoyed. Mum loved the laundry and enjoyed her time there and although towards the end she became very ill, she still insisted going to work because that was HER time with HER friends. When mum left us on 19th March 2010, she passed away peacefully at home, which is where she wanted to be and was in no pain. She was in my arms. I will never forget this day for as long as I live. I think about you all the time mum and miss you so very much...They say that time is a great healer...but im not so sure about that one!! Rest in Peace Mum, I love you always. Maria. xxx