Maureen Catherine Richardson (21 Nov 1936 - 20 Sep 2015)

My mother was a faithful friend not only to Stephanie, Melanie and me but to everyone that knew her. I’ve had so many wonderful cards and phone calls where everyone expressed what a special, kind-hearted person she was and how she had a gentle sweet nature.

She was always such a wonderful support to us in both the good times and the bad times. She dedicated her life to us and cared for us both emotionally and physically.

From my first steps to my first pirouette she always encouraged me in everything I did, as well as she did for both Melanie and Stephanie. I remember how she avidly took me to ballet lessons all over London.

She encouraged us to be whatever we wanted to be and always seemed to know how to help us overcome any difficulties. She dedicated herself to her family and gave us courage and confidence.

When I was little, she let me and my best friend, Lee do many fun things like getting dressed up in her beautiful dresses and dancing around the living room to loud music like Band on the Run by Wings and Elton John.

I have many memories of when Melanie and I were growing up as teenagers. She always kept up with what was going on in the current times and loved dancing around the living room to Pans People.

One of the very special memories I had when I was growing up was how much she made us laugh. I remember going on holiday with my Nan, mum, Melanie and the dog Becky. We laughed so much when my Nan picked some blackberries off a bush and she stewed the fruit to make a pie and a load of maggots came out – we laughed about it for years.

She had many happy holidays with Melanie, they went everywhere from the South of France to Scotland. Regularly, they’d visit National Trust Homes and soak up all the history and always grab a tasty cream tea!

Before she died, she said she didn’t want us to be sad today because as usual she was putting everyone else first.

She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and friend to us all and her love is irreplaceable, which makes losing her an incredibly painful experience.

I know we always think of her fondly and we will all sadly miss her love, friendship, gentleness and sweet smile.

My Nan to me was not like a Nan but more like a second mum.

I mean, she wasn’t your typical Nan. She was so vivacious, full of life and youthful, even up to her final hours.

I don’t know how she managed it but she still looked the same to me when she passed as she did when I was a kid – she never seemed to age!

In fact, whenever we’d go anywhere, people would always think she was my mum. And then after a brief explanation that she was actually my Nan, we’d always get the same, “wow I’d never have guessed it, what’s your secret?”

I have fond memories of my Nan picking me up from school everyday. We’d come home and watch the TV together – the Simpsons was always our favourite.

Growing up, she inspired me to pursue my dream career, although I know she would have loved for me to become a mathematician, or something along those lines because we’d always battle it out to be the brainbox of Britain.

I always loved listening to her stories about the past, about the war, our family history and especially her favourite tale about her school getting bombed to the ground.

My Nan was the most knowledgeable person I’ll ever meet. Whether it was “how long can I keep meat in the freezer” to “how to fix the engine of my car”, she always knew the right answer. And as the voice of reason, she always put us in our place when we stepped out of line.

She loved style and would ask us to give her fashion shows whenever we bought something new. Of recent, she’d always try and get my brand news shoes off of me. I’ll miss her asking if I had any pairs I didn’t want any more.

She’d say to us that it’s crucial to look your absolute best because people always clock it. And as much as I tried to live by this advice, she’d always say I have too many clothes! Of course, I’ll even miss her moaning about this too.

I’ll miss cooking for her because she way always my best critic, asking when was the next time she could visit my restaurant, or the café as she’d also refer to it.

But I think the favourite thing about my Nan was her brilliant sense of humour – cheeky though it may have been. The amount of times I’d tell her to pipe down when she made naughty jokes in public, which would only encourage her to rebel and say the joke even louder!

She was always there when I needed her, no matter how big or small my problem was. I miss being able to call her any day, any time to tell her what was going on with my life. In fact, I actually went to call her a couple of days ago, only to hit the sudden realisation that she was no longer around.

But I know that she’ll always be there, watching over us.

Even though she’d been ill for so many years, her passing certainly didn’t come as any less of a shock and wasn’t any easier in the slightest. But it provides comfort that she is no longer suffering and can finally be at peace.

Since she passed, I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the amount of people who’ve told me how proud my Nan was of me.

But in fact, it’s me who’s proud of her. Proud of her ability to fight against all the odds and her incredibly stoic nature. Proud of her wonderfully generous, kind-hearted soul. Proud of how many lives she touched. Proud to call her my Nan.

Goodbye Maureen, my brother Ray sends his condolences to your family and his apologises that he couldn't be there today due to his disabilities. I was unfortunate not to know you too well mainly due to your busy life style and our age gap. I remember you and your sister June and was always please to visit my aunt Cath and uncle John when I was a youngster.

Say hello to your mum for me, she was a character and spent many a time at our house with my mum and dad, her brother Fred.

Your family and friends will miss you but they will continue to enjoy the memories you left behind.

The lovely Maureen, such a sweet, caring, open-hearted lady. I first encountered Maureen some years ago when I tended her garden for her. At that time I had no idea of her illness, but was so drawn by her nature that something prompted me to ask to become her regular gardener. Subsequently we found we had similar health issues in common and over the last couple of years a working association became friendship. She would chat to me about Life, her illness, family and experiences as an evacuee during the war years. Her sharings were illuminating and full of courage and survival against the odds. Always with a warm welcoming smile on her face and in her eyes, my abiding memory is of a lady who didn't like to cause a fuss for her own part and was more concerned about everyone else. It was a privilege to call Maureen a friend and hope I was able to bring her some solace during our chats of the last months. She left an impact on my life in terms of advice and humility and I will miss her. God Bless you Maureen.x

Maureen and I were cousins and grew up together. She was stunningly beautiful and such a sweet natured girl. I really loved her. We lost touch for 42 years but, thanks to the wonders of the internet, were reunited in 2006. I was overjoyed to have her back in my life. We spent two very special holidays together, in New York and then to Australia to visit my son. Both occasions were full of laughter and fun. We spoke at least every week. I will miss her very much but am so grateful to have had her company, friendship and love for the past nine years. My heartfelt condolences to Melanie, Donna and Stephanie.

A Tribute to Maureen.

Maureen was a great role model in every way for her daughters and her granddaughter. She "lit fires" (her words) of inspiration so that they would work hard to achieve their aims. Which they did.

We were all very impressed by how courageous, cheerful and feisty Maureen remained throughout her illness.

In loving memory of a dear sister, aunt and great aunt. God bless, Maureen, from June, Nick, Natalie, Rose, Chloe and Posy.

My dearest friend of 67years. I have never met anyone so brave, kind and intelligent. We have such wonderful memories as "kids"and swopping clothes, discussing the latest fashions. Our great time in New York - even then the "giggles". Our interesting lunches putting the world to rights. I will miss you so much. Best Friends For Ever. See you in Heaven.

Christine and I remember Maureen very fondly - she was such a lovely person with a wonderful smile. The photos posted here are a real celebration of her life. She was so brave throughout her illness and hope it is some consolation to Donna, Melanie and Stephanie and all her friends and family that she is now at peace. My Mum (Maureen's Aunt Mags) will probably have had another reunion with her by now! xxx