Margaret Widdowson (16 Sep 1946 - 3 Dec 2014)

In loving memory of the late Margaret Widdowson who sadly passed away on 3rd December 2014.

Margaret Widdowson (Rycroft) born in Nottingham on 16th September 1946 to Ada and George Rycroft and sister to Ron, Grace and Joe. Margaret was raised in Carlton and was particularly fond of her elder brother Joe, who she followed everywhere, including his dates with his wife to be Joan.

When Margaret left school she worked at the Eye Hospital, Ropewalk Nottingham, a job she always fondly remembered.

Margaret met Michael Patrick Widdowson in the summer of 1971 and it was love at first sight. They we’re soon to be married on 22nd April 1972 and Margaret moved to Keyworth, and they had many happy years together there, very rarely spending a night away from each other.

Margaret was a wonderful caring mother to Ian, Neil, Hannah and Ross and Grandmother to Liam, Adam, Olivia, Sophie, Dylan, and twins Jack and Louie.

Margaret passed away on 3rd December 2014 on the Hogarth Ward, Nottingham City Hospital, shortly after we found out that she had cancer, unfortunately the diagnosis came too late for Margaret to fight the battle. Margaret was just 68 when she left this world and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

RIP Margaret Widdowson Sept 1946 – Dec 2014

As Margaret's eldest son I just wanted to say a few words about an amazing person.

We recently had to say our final face to face goodbye to the most wonderful and beautiful person in our life. The Widdowson family was blessed to have the greatest Mum in the universe (we always told Mum that). Mum had a heart of gold, never moaned or made a fuss and had a kind word for anyone. Nothing was too much trouble for her, so patient and understanding (well mum had to be to put up with me and the Grandchildren). Mum would go without to make sure her family were happy.

Mum was also a mother to all our friends, who whenever they came visiting left our house with a full stomach and cake in hand, Mum was a wonderful cook. Mum made everyone welcome, and yes they kept coming back for more.

Mum was a loving Grandma to Liam, Adam, Olivia, Sophie, Dylan, and twins Jack and Louie. She always enjoyed anytime with them, and loved to take them to Play Groups and made lots of friends in different generations. She was also always happy to look after any of our friend’s children. Mum was well known in Keyworth, and everyone saw her as we did, a loving mum proud of her family.

She was a best friend to many, and always enjoyed a good natter. She loved shopping and going on holidays, but always felt guilty she was leaving the grandchildren. Mum loved her soaps, TOWIE and other reality TV programmes, Mum always enjoyed anything funny, shows like Celebrity Juice always made her laugh out loud. In the summer I took her to the cinema to see Inbetweeners 2, it was great to see Mum smile, and I would do anything to make her giggle, Mum always laughed at my bad jokes, even when she didn't get them. I will miss that so much

When my brother Neil and his wife Jaynes house burnt down a few years back, Mum was quick to get Neil, Jayne, Olivia and Sophie safe and sound as they moved in with Mum and Dad. They looked after them and helped do her best to get over that tragic event. She was delighted to see from the ashes that a new family house was built and the family only got stronger. Mum was proud that Neil took the decision to start his new business and Mum and Dad promised they would do anything to help.

My sister Hannah’s like a best friend to Mum, often spending Spa days out together drinking bubbly. She always adored looking after Liam and Adam, (although I am sure they tested her patience one or two times) while Hannah and her loving husband Andy we're at work..

Mum adored a good wedding, and our youngest brother married his wife Kelly a couple of years back. Early in the year they had twin boys Jack and Louie. Ross and Kelly have promised to make sure that Mum will still be part of their lives as they grow up, they will proudly tell stories about her life and have photos on the wall to show and remind them that their Grandma loves them,

The love all the grandchildren have for their Grandma, just warms my heart. Mum was proud of all her children and the lives we lead. It's only a credit to Mum that everyone remarks what a strong family we are.

My father is devastated to lose his rock, Margaret was his world and he worshipped everyday he spent with her. Mum helped him after his heart attack six years ago and he will never forget how she looked after him (even though it meant him cutting out the cream cakes). Dad would do anything for Mum and vice versa. The way they looked at each other only cemented how deeply they loved each other.

Still not sure why she was taken away from us so early. We all spent every moment we could by Mums side as soon as she was admitted to her hospital none us wanted to leave her side, especially Dad. We all hated leaving her on her own in Hospital especially the night we had all been given the worse news of our lives.
I just happened to be my Mums side as she passed away peacefully at 7.20am on the 3/12/14 with me holding her hand, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead telling Mum how much she was loved by everyone, I can only hope that comforted her.

My greatest fear was losing my Mum, but mum held my hand too as she passed, so even in the end she was still helping me face the reality of that dreaded situation, just as Mum has helped me and her family face our fears all her life. Mum would do anything for her family, I am going to miss Mum so much, I'm shell shocked but she told us all to be strong to help Dad live his life without her. Mum was delighted that I'd finally found happiness with Jenna, who has really helped me through this heartbreaking ordeal.

I know Mum will be missed by many, especially Dad, Neil, Hannah and Ross and all my nieces & nephews. Our family’s loss is Heavens gain and I hope somehow one day I can see Mum again so she can tell me everything will be alright.

Mum’s Funeral has been arranged for Tuesday 23rd December at 11am at St Mary Magdalene Church, Keyworth, then Mum will be buried on Wysall Lane Cemetery at noon. I know it’s just before Christmas but I hope everyone who wants to come can make it so we can all say our goodbye together.

Mum loved a good gathering and a natter, so afterwards we’re heading over to the Key to celebrate her life with laughter, some drinks, food and plenty of chit chat. Mum would want us all to have fun and help us try to get some Christmas spirit (or at least drink some). So everyone welcome, Dad and all the family would love to see you there.

Mum said she didn’t want flowers, and instead she would like donations to the British Heart Foundation charity (thinking of Dad after he had his heart attack a few years ago). So hope you can donate.

The Widdowson family would like to thank you for all your cards, messages kind words, I am just glad everyone else can see how amazing she is! xxxxx