5th September 2021
It was Mum's funeral on Tuesday and this is the eulogy for her:-
Molly was born on 4th July 1929 in Launceston to Clara and Stanley, younger sister to Betty. They moved to Hoopern Street in Exeter in 1939 when for her dad’s work on the South Western Railway. Molly went to Episcopal School – her great claim to fame was winning an English prize – most disappointed to receive a copy of the “Vicar of Wakefield” which she never read!
Of course the family lived through the Exeter Blitz and Molly would tell the tale of coming back from the Anderson shelter to find her underwear hanging on a picture frame, always regaled with great amusement. Once the family were using a torch to sweep up some broken glass following a raid – the whole of Exeter was ablaze, but they were nevertheless asked by the air raid warden to put the light out because Jerry might see it!!
Molly left school at 14 and undertook a secretarial course, her first job was in a building society, then she worked for a firm of solicitors called Ford Simey and Ford at Cathedral Close, and at their office in Exmouth. Molly met Geoff at the Wrentham Hall in Exeter where they went to dances. After marrying in 1951 they moved to Radstock for Geoff’s work as a teacher. Molly then had a number of jobs, her least favourite being Dents Gloves where she gave in her notice within the first week as she refused to co-operate with the rule of having to put your hand up to ask permission to go to the toilet! After a spell with Frys confectioners she then worked very happily for Prattens, a local building company and made many good friends.
In 1960 they moved to Pinhoe for Geoff to work at Exeter college and welcomed the arrival of Ian in 1961. In 1963 they moved to Grosvenor Avenue in Torquay for Geoff to work at South Devon College and welcomed Linda in 1964. It was a happy home with lots of fun
Molly was a full time mum until Linda started at Junior school in 1971 and then began a part time job with the Torbay Holiday agency, and she worked there with them until she finally retired in 1999. Geoff sadly passed away in 1997, but Molly was a capable, resourceful independent and joyful person, and made the most of her retirement enjoying the company of good friends and family. She was a wonderful Nan to Tom, Emma and Holly – when the children went to stay everything else was put on hold to spend time with them - they were her priority. She made Gentian and Guy, Ian's step children very welcome in the family and when their children came along enjoyed family occasions with them. She was lucky to have lots of good friends, and in particular enjoyed many holidays with Maureen, she was a regular swimmer at the ERC and enjoyed meeting “the girls” for coffee. Daily walks on the seafront befriending and chatting to anyone who might be sitting next to her on a bench was common.
By late 2018 Molly needed full time care and moved into Cornerways in Paignton, here she was well looked after by a wonderful care team and her family are grateful the love and attention she received.