Sandra Mercia McNeil-Duncan (9 Jun 1943 - 22 Sep 2023)

In loving memory of Sandra Mercia McNeil-Duncan who sadly passed away on 22nd September 2023

Our mother was born in Woking, Surrey in 1943, she was an only child and spent her childhood and teens raised in Lambeth London with her parents. She met our handsome African father at 18 and was married at 19, she then moved to Plumstead. Along came Karen, Susan & Joseph in consecutive years. A little break of 4 years and then along came Angela. It was then in 1968 our parents along with us 4 children moved into a house in Eltham, where she remained for the next 55 years.

Our father returned to Nigeria in 1971 and set up his business JASK, one letter from each of our names and we followed in 1972 planning to join him there permanently. It was at this time her father died and her mother had a relapse of her Multiple Sclerosis. We all returned to England leaving my father behind. We would join often him in Lagos during our summer holiday's, Christmas's and our half terms. He returned to England in 1985 and sadly passed away two years later.

Our mum was a homemaker foremost and only took small jobs that allowed her to be there for us all when we returned home from school. She created a loving home and we all have the greatest memories of our childhood, we all could tell you some wonderful stories. Our mother had a small circle of friends, but her greatest joy was her family, she always said that she could not be more prouder of us all.

She suffered from debilitating migraines all her life. In her later life she was diagnosed with COPD and small vessel disease of the brain. This led to dizziness, which she struggled with. It was a fall due to her dizziness which took her into hospital. The complications of the COPD took there toll and she sadly passed away surrounded by her 4 children. Also in attendance at the hospital her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our mother Sandra and father Joseph have created the greatest legacy “Family” 4 Children, 15 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. This family is still growing.

Every Christmas and on her birthday's in June all the family would come together at her house. We all got to celebrate her 80th birthday this summer. She was the gel that held this family together. We cannot express our sorrow and how deeply she will be missed. Our only comfort, is that she is now with our father looking down on us all.