Marie Burbage (19 Jun 1931 - 13 Feb 2026)

Marie Towson was born in Grimsby 19th June 1931, to mother Nelly, a bookkeeper and father Walter, a gun factory worker.

Third youngest, and sister to Les, Ron, Joyce, Dot, Edie, Pat and Freda she outlived all of her siblings, passing away peacefully on Friday 13th February 2026, at The Grand Care Home, Nottingham, aged 94 years old.

Growing up Marie had aspirations of being in the Women’s Royal Airforce, however due to the pressures of supporting the household financially, she left school at 14 and went to work in clothing manufacturing in her first job covering buttons.

Marie was a devoted wife to Joseph Burbage, whom she married in 1949 at St Georges Church, the Meadows, Nottingham.

They fell in love after meeting at a dance in the city. Joseph at the time a bus driver, later joined the Army and became a Sergeant in the Worcester Sherwood Foresters. As a couple they travelled the world with the military, to places such as Singapore, Ireland, and Germany. Joseph was taken too soon, passing away in November 1974 as a result of a heart attack.

By then a mother of five to Ann, Jackie, Keith, Paula, and Jeanette, Marie moved the family from Wolverhampton, back to Nottingham in 1975. She worked at Marks and Spencer in the City, as a cleaner until she retired.

After retirement, Marie kept active as a member of the War Widows society and the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, often attending organised events.

Due to a period of declining health Marie made the difficult decision to move out of her beloved bungalow in West Bridgford spending time in both Ruddington Manor Care Home and Acorn Residential Home where she was a resident until her health deteriorated.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

At Marie's request, you are warmly invited to wear something other than black to celebrate her life.

Immediate family flowers only, please. Donations in her memory to the Heart Foundation would be gratefully received.