Memories of our Darling MUM - From Gary
Katherine Richardson, Daughter of Marvelle and Captain James Morgenstern of the Indian British Army. – (Thanks to Sammy & Tony our family historians for the information).
Sister to older brother Max & younger sister Claudette. And just plain Mum to us!
Mum was Born in a Rickshaw, and often spoke of her childhood living on a family tea plantation in Darjeeling, at the foot hills of the Himalayas overlooked by Mount Everest. Which Sounds by far more salubrious than growing up in Essex.
There are many Adjectives you could use to describe Mum here are but a few.
Beautiful, Smart, Intelligent. Strong, Reliable, Generous & Funny. Mum was all of these and much more.
For many, she was truly a tower of strength that the family looked up to and would often help others. either by offering a room or giving money although she had little herself.
Here are A few memories shared by Lynn, Keith and I.
Mum had always worked. When I was 8 years old I can recall walking every day from Lower Edmonton to White Hart Lane’ Tottenham. I have told this story for years as walking about 4 to 5 miles to meet mum from work where we would walk back home together. After 48 years I google mapped the distance and it turned out to be only 1.4 miles but it felt a lot further then as I only had little legs!!!!
Mum had a hard life, bringing up 3 children on her own and working. We lost our family home in Felixstowe Road. She also had a bout of depression, I was too young to realise what Mum was going through then. We moved to what would be described as temporary accommodation. Most would call it a Dump!
After a few years We moved to Rosebery Road in Edmonton – Happier times growing up in a new build home and what felt like a new start from the bad years of living in ‘The Dump’! Life got easier for Mum once we all finished school and started working.
Lynn recalls, Mum could not swim but loved the water, so whether in Majorca or Camber sands It was Dave’s job of towing mum around in a dingy or rubber ring either in the sea or a swimming pool of which he often obliged happily!
Keith told of Mum Always wanted to drive. She bought a Mini to learn in, and one day whilst going for an impromptu ride with her sister Claudette – Mum drove too close to another car and after hitting the stationary cars wing mirror she subsequently stopped and got out to have a go at the owner for being upset saying “it’s only a little scratch” then driving off!... All that on a provisional licence!!!! She had previously failed 2 driving tests!
Even recently with Dementia Those immortal words were resurrected “I think I will start driving again” can I give her lessons? I always replied “Yes of course Mum, if the DVLA will give you another provisional licence I’ll happily teach you and you can drive my car!” SAFE BET that one!
Lastly on driving, Mum did eventually pass a driving test… FORTUNATELY with Mums previous history it was only for a mobility scooter in South Weald Country Park.
Dementia as we all know is an unpleasant condition of which we are thankful that throughout Mums cognitive decline she remained Happy, Loving, Polite and maintained a great sense of humour! And above all, a blessing that mum remembered us and always said how much she loves us. As we do her!
Mum once told Gina “the good thing about her dementia is she can say what she liked to anyone and blame it on her condition.
Mum loved what she termed as “Gadding About” this could mean a Gad abroad, a UK Gad or even a local Gad.
Gads Abroad included Many European countries usually with Lynn, Dave & Dad
UK Gads - Keith recalls driving mum from Edmonton to Milton Keynes to collect her sister, then up to the Lake district to take a boat ride then to Blackpool to see the lights, then back all in one day. Dad also once drove Mum around England, Wales & Scotland over the course of a week.
Local Gads whilst able Mum was particularly persistent about. Involving unlimited trips to Malden or Southend to have an ice cream, or trips to visit relatives just to escape from the Nursing home. Often you walked into her room to visit and she would get up and put her coat on saying where are we going? or you may have found her sitting by the lift ready to go out. Dad bore the brunt of this. As most will know Dad has been back in our lives since 2000’. He became a close companion for mum and from there on was by her side almost every day until January this year when he passed away.
Mums love of music and musical films was well known, we were weaned on her favourites like Gene Kelly & Elvis Presley, artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, and the big band sounds of Glenn Miller & Benny Goodman & of course good old Rock n Roll. Mum always had music on in her room where she would sway or dance about to…some of her favourites have been chosen for today.
During her working life, Mum held many positions in Accounts, and One of Mums most memorable jobs was working for Robert Day, Robert was a famous florist to both Celebrities and Royalty.
Robert has sadly passed now but his partner Simon Lycett who in his own right has taken over Roberts mantle sent this kind message. “I recall such great days of Kathy managing the wages and making us cuppas! She always wanted us to call her down from the office on the pretext if someone famous came into the shop of which of course we always did”.
Lynn, Keith & I can vouch for this as often Mum would come home and name drop who had been in the shop, who she had been chatting to, and particularly who had not paid their bills...!!!!
Simon Finished by saying “Isn’t it strange how our lives interweave and how people we meet touch and indelibly mark our souls. So feel by us remembering those who have passed away means they gain everlasting life, as we continue to recall them even when they have gone”.
Mum is going to be sadly missed by us not only for her warmth and kindness, but despite the restrictions of the conditions which held her back she showed her strength through her smile and love in her heart which has kept us all going.
We Love you Mum and you have truly deserved your rest in peace!