In 2007 Mum's life changed drastically. One day in August, Dad was picked up by a friend to go out to do a walk with his U3A walking group. While out he collapsed with a myocardial infarction and died.
The funeral was in York Minster, where he had volunteered for so long.
With help from family and friends, especially Vanda, Mum carried on as best she could. It wasn't easy; she still misses him every day.
Although Mum's walking was not so good, over the next few years she continued to live life to the full, attending services and events at church, keeping up her signing classes, and joining the Clergy Widows group.
In 2014 she celebrated her 90th birthday in style with a coffee morning for neighbours, a meal out for family, and a buffet in the church hall for family and friends (84 in total.)
A girl in the family at last!
Mum and great-granddaughter
Mark, Mum, Paul, Michael, 90th birthday party, 2014
Unfortunately in 2013 she fell on her drive and broke her right hip, which led to her selling the car. Instead she had a mobility scooter to get to the shops and to church - she loved the independence this gave her.
In 2017 she needed surgery for thromboses in both legs, which further reduced her mobility.
Mum reserved her front door for VIP visitors. Family, friends, neighbours, trades people - we all used the side door. The front door was for Father Luke, mum's much-loved vicar, the Archbishop and royalty (should either ever chance to call) and (!) the chiropodist.
