Mary Connelly

My mother was born in Malta and for many years she lived with her Auntie Inez.  She would often remark how happy she was during this time and indebted to her to live with her for much of her childhood.

My Mother had 4 other siblings. Bice, Lino, Antoine & Gemma.  They are all likely having a good verbal up there now, I do hope they behave themselves.

Mum married Eric and stayed happy until his passing in 2004. She doted on him during his latter years of ill-health.

Mum had many jobs mostly in the secretarial sector, but I think she was most proud to work for The British Council on Bond Street.  I certainly liked going there after school and be wide-eyed at all of the sights and HMV Oxford Street.

As Mum got older, as did I.  She became more focused with her love of animals. It started off with a stray cat and dog here and there, but at it's peak she had about 3 dogs and 8 cats at the same time! Not to mention a tortoise named George.  Those will remember her un-wavering efforts to feed the foxes of Leytonstone at 2am!

What has become apparent during these last few weeks, is the love that so many people had for her during the time in their life that they spent with her.  The messages that came through were so lovely.

As her son, I remember that much to my frustration as a teenager, it may have taken us 5 years longer than anyone else to buy a video recorder, but when she bought one, she bought the best.  That was typical her, she would always do her best, every minute, of every day of every year of her life.  Thank you Mum, you gave me the best, and I thank you for everything you taught me.  In the words of the Beach Boys - "God only knows what I'd be without you". X