Emm and her husband, Fred, lived in Leytonstone for most of their married lives. They had two sons, David and Christopher, and four grandchildren. Fred worked in the building trade and retired at 65. Emm spent her working life as a receptionist or assistant in various shops. Fred sadly died of a heart attack a few years after retiring. Emm moved to a house in Chelmsford where some years later she died after suffering from asbestosis.
Anne lived with her partner, Stan, first in Holloway, then in Highbury. This followed the separation from her first husband, Bill. They had one son, John, and six grandchildren. Anne and Stan ran a handbag shop and a factory making small leather goods. Anne died when she was in her sixties. Stan lived for some years after this and died in his eighties.
Lil lived in Dagenham with her husband, Les. They had three children, Linda, Lorraine and Lesley, and six grandchildren. Lil was a cook and Les worked in Fords of Dagenham, making cars. They enjoyed many years of retirement, mostly spent in their caravan near the sea. Lil suddenly collapsed and died from a brain aneurysm, and Les died a few years later.
Mary, who married Jim, had a flat in Dalston, London, then moved to a new high-rise flat in Finsbury Park. They had no children of their own, but were a good aunt and uncle to their many nieces and nephews. Jim’s job was manufacturing different types of polishes, and Mary remained at Kents brush factory. Jim died in his early fifties, which sadly left Mary on her own. She moved to Milton Keynes where she had a job in the local tax office. She is now retired and spends many hours doing voluntary work.
Kath, and her husband, Den, lived with Mum for a while after getting married, and then moved to Romford in Essex, where they still live. They had two children, Kevin and Tracy. Tragically, Tracy died in her thirties after a long illness, leaving a young daughter, Stacy, who lives with Kath and Den. Kath and Den also have two other grandchildren. Den worked in the building trade and Kath was a secretary. They are now both retired, but unfortunately, Den has not enjoyed good health lately.
George met and married Maureen. They first lived in Tottenham, and now live in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. They have no children. George spent his working life as an upholsterer and Maureen worked as a carer. George retired early after suffering a heart attack. He has since had two serious heart operations but is currently still enjoying life. George and Maureen also enjoyed spending part of their retirement in their caravan by the sea, which was near my sister Lil’s caravan.
Brian married Jean and they had two children, Karen and Stephen. Brian was a carpenter and Jean had various administrative jobs. Brian and Jean emigrated to Australia in the eighties. However, they only stayed two years before returning to the UK. Some years later, Karen went to work as a nurse in Australia, and Brian and Jean followed her out there to live again. Their son then also joined them. They are still there today, and are now very happily settled. They have six grandchildren.
Alwyn married Sandra and they had two children, Della and Alan, and several grandchildren. Alwyn ran market stalls and had various other jobs. Sandra did office work. When they first married, they lived in Romford with Sandra’s parents, and now live in Mark Tey, Essex. They are enjoying their retirement with their family, although Alwyn unfortunately suffers quite badly from rheumatoid arthritis.
Lorraine married Mick and lived in Walthamstow for a while. They had two children, Wayne and Joanne, and two grandchildren,. Lorraine ran a card shop for many years with her son. She also did flower arranging for various prestige clients, and made wedding cakes to order. Mick ran a market stall selling clothes, and later worked for the Post Office. Lorraine has now sold her shop, Mick is retired, and they live in Gidea Park, Essex. They have a timeshare apartment in Portugal, and enjoy spending time there.
I now live with Ron in Swindon, Wiltshire. Ron was a painter and decorator for most of his working life, and I had various administrative jobs over the years. We moved to a council house in Swindon in 1957 as we could not find a suitable home in London to bring up our family. Over the years, after much hard work, we managed to save enough to buy our own home. We have moved several times since then, including for a brief time to Yorkshire, and are now settled back in Swindon.
Our Mum died at home in her flat near Stamford Hill, in London, when she was in her early seventies. She had suffered with chronic bronchitis for many years, and then contracted liver cancer. However, she retained her love of life to the end. She was surrounded by her family when she died.
