Mary Aylen

Mary was an incredibly warm, kind and funny lady who i met through work but who also chose to help me when I was struggling and we became good friends and kept in touch. She will now be a heavenly angel and I am sure she will be missed not just by me but everyone who knew her

So many laughs, so many good memories. Mary was a great friend, loyal and kind, for so many years. Always cheerful and positive, even during her illness. She will be very much missed. Xxx

I met Mary back in the 1990s when we worked together. She was a lovely friend and I have many happy memories. When we left that job she always kept everyone in touch and was the ‘social secretary’. Mary was always upbeat and cheerful even through tough times. I will miss her a lot.

Mary was the centre of our Construction Confederation ex-employee get togethers. She was such a sociable person. Descriptions of her include very friendly, reliable, organised, jolly, positive and welcoming. One can’t help smiling when thinking of Mary. I will miss her.

I met Mary when I moved to Harewood Road in January 2015. Even before officially moving in, she had welcomed me on my first viewing and even kindly said she could help with parcels being taken in if I was at work etc. At the time she was saying it as a helpful welcome but I don’t think she ever realised just how much her words offered me comfort. I’d been given notice at my previous apartment, due to the landlord selling up and so finding Harewood road was a blessing. I’d had probably the hardest year of my life and from the moment I stepped into Harewood road, it felt like home and I believe that was mainly down to Mary and the other friends I met living there. Within a few months, we’d formed a circle of friendship in the house and planned a few coffee/cake mornings in the garden and birthday celebrations. Mary was always happy to help with making the gin and tonics! In 2020, when we were all affected by COVID, we formed an even closer bond. Sharing a private 70th birthday soirée with Mary. One of the highlights in the house was during Christmas 2020, when we’d learned that we were facing yet another lockdown. We decided to spend the day together. Mary hosted as she had a good sized living room and she provided a delicious starter, I provided the main course and Karen provided the pudding. It was a real team effort and in what was possibly the saddest times for many families, I just felt very lucky having both Mary and Karen. We enjoyed some terrible Christmas jokes, gifts and plenty of prosecco. Often, when my mum, Barbara came to visit, Mary would offer a coffee and a chat if I needed to work. They also struck up a friendship and that is testimony to the type of person Mary was. Her love and affection for George (my cat) was so appreciated, always looking out for him, chatting to him and offering him an illicit treat (but Auntie Mary could get away with it.) Mary was always generous with her time and gifts and when I joined a choir, also changed jobs and then eventually bought a house, Mary always celebrated and congratulated me with a genuine sincerity. I’ll always remember Mary with such fondness – she went through life with cheer and I rarely saw Mary have a bad day (and if she did, if wasn’t obvious). She was one of life’s givers – providing support, friendship and a friendly word to any visitor or new tenant to the house. Last year she focussed on her flat move – during what must have been a difficult time having to pack up 30 years worth of belongings and with her treatment, but she battled on like the trooper she was. She loved the sense of adventure I think. Through our many chats, Karen and I learned of her dinner parties, work at Johnny Walker and the solicitors in Croydon and her friendships with Jean, Jim, Maria in Malta and of course, her dear friend, Eve. She had so many fascinating stories to tell and lived life to the full. Mary, you will be sorely missed for your spirit (and I don’t mean the gin kind only!), I’m thankful any suffering was short and your courage and humour were with you to the end. Sleep well my friend. With love from us all. Kathryn, George the cat, Karen, Barbara and Paul xxx