Memories of my Mamma - 15 years today

Post date: Jan 05, 2012 9:42:43 PM

It is 15 years ago today that my beloved 'Mamma' - my Grandma Greasley passed away at the age of 87 years old.

She was born on 9 February 1909, in Chichester, West Sussex, to Thomas and Helen Morris. She was christened Lilian Frances and was the third child, of eventually eight children to the Morris family - another sister, Peggy, was born to her mother and her second husband, George Cousins. Her father, Thomas, was killed in France in 1917 in World War I, and her mother died at the young age of just 47 on 9 April 1932.

She married my grandfather, Frank, on 9 April 1931… and they had their first child, my Aunty Jean, on 3 January 1932. My mother, Jill, was then born on 14 March 1933 and then their only son, Frank Norman was born on 14 August 1937.

My Mamma had to become head of the family in 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, with my Grandad having to go to first Dunkirk, then Burma, for the duration. On 13 February 1941, at the age of just three years old, their son, Frank, was killed when he was run over by a bus outside their house in Annesley Woodhouse. It affected her very badly, and my mother and her sister Jean suffered greatly because of this, and because my grandfather wasn't there to help her through the grief (he was allowed only 24 hours leave) she never forgave him for it and it affected their relationship throughout their marriage.

On 25 November 1972, she became a widow when my Grandad Greasley passed away at the age of 62 years… and so began a quarter of a century of widowhood.

She was the most beautiful, kindest grandmother anyone could've ever wished for, and I miss her and love her so much, and always think of her with the most happiest of memories.

Be at peace Mamma, and one day we will be together forever, happy and free xxx