Born in August 1929 in Bethnal Green, Mary’s fascinating life story has been shaped by the challenges of war, the joy of family and her determination to help and nurture others.
She grew up in a large family of 13, with three brothers and nine sisters. When World War II began in 1939, Mary and some of her siblings were evacuated to Market Harborough, Leicestershire. She still vividly recalls being paraded with the other children in a large hall, waiting to be selected by a family for accommodation. Fortunately, she was able to remain with her sister Lillian, though her brothers were housed separately on the same street.
The children faced a challenging time, especially as they were not made to feel welcome by the local people. Mary’s older brother John, aged 14, was so unhappy that he returned to London, despite the Blitz, to live with their mother and work as a tailor.
Mary was later moved to Kettering, Northamptonshire. It was here, at the tender age of 11, that she experienced one of the most harrowing moments of her life. A neighbour callously showed her a newspaper headline announcing that a family of 13 had been killed in the Blitz and claiming that it was Mary’s own family. A devastated Mary was too shocked to believe it or even to cry.
The very next day, however, her world changed again. A boy came running to tell Mary that her family had been seen in a church in Kettering. She was overjoyed to find her parents and siblings safe. Although her older brother had suffered a serious leg injury that required years of recovery, the entire family had miraculously survived the Blitz.
After the war Mary returned to London with her family, although their home had been completely destroyed. Fortunately, they were able to move into a new house and rebuild their lives.
It was at this time that Mary met the love of her life, William (Bill), a talented carpenter and craftsman who worked on many projects including London West End shops and restaurants, as well as furniture for the BBC. They married at 19 and went on to have three sons and a daughter. Tragically, their eldest son Billy died before his time, although not before serving for three years in the RAF, passing the extremely difficult Knowledge of London test and working proudly as a London Black Cab driver for 25 years (as did his sister Shirley’s husband), getting married and having a wonderful family of his own. But this was still a devastating loss that deeply affected Mary and all the family.
Mary and Bill shared a loving partnership for many years. Mary remembers him as kind and handsome, qualities that endeared him to everyone he met. He was also a talented footballer who was happy to teach his own and other children how to play.
At the start of her own career Mary worked on a children’s ward, which reflected her desire to nurture others. Later, she worked in the accounts department at William Hill. Throughout her life, she remained intellectually curious and creative. A scholarship winner as a child, she excelled in her studies and later took up art classes, eventually becoming an accomplished painter.
One of the most significant chapters of Mary’s life was her work as a spiritual healer alongside Bill. The couple dedicated years to this practice at a church in Hornsey, North London, where they helped people from around the world. This brought them immense joy and fulfilment, strengthening their bond and their connection to their community.
Mary and Bill preferred to holiday here in the UK, cherishing time spent together and with their family. Today, 95-year-old Mary is a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who all bring her endless joy and laughter.
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