Marion Patricia Davies (17 Sep 1933 - 2 Jul 2019)

In loving memory of Marion Patricia Davies who sadly passed away at home on 2nd July 2019, aged 85 years. The dearly loved wife of Neville, much loved mother of Lynne, Alison and Karen, and proud gran to Simone, Richard, Joss, Simon and Sophie she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking
along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
Other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that
during the low periods of my life when I was
suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
So I said to the Lord, “You promised me,
Lord that if I followed you,
You would walk with me always,
but I noticed that during the most trying periods
of my life there have only been
one set of prints in the sand.

Why, when I have needed you most,
you have not been there for me?

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one
set of footprints is when I carried you.”

EULOGY MARION PATRICIA DAVIES
Most people would describe Marion as being a gracious and glamorous lady always welcoming, complimentary, and smiling. She had time for everyone she met. Marion enjoyed the fun of good company, she would light up the room, her beauty and outgoing nature would make her centre stage at social events.
Marion Patricia Dore was born on 17th September,1933 in Nelson Hospital, Merton, South London. She was Baptised into the Methodist Church. The family consisting of her parents George and Mary Dore and her two sisters Mary and Christine resided in Wimbledon. They evacuated to Llangollen after their home was bombed during the raids in the Blitz during the Second World War, where they settled on Sun Bank. A much different lifestyle followed with the Llangollen countryside being in sharp contrast to the busy city of London. Marion was the eldest daughter and was expected to assist her mother in running the home. Attendance at school was sporadic but when she left she became a Dental Assistant. This first job encouraged her to choose nursing as her career. She left for Wrexham School of Nursing, against her parents wishes and embarked on her nurse training.
Marion met Neville in 1954 by chance at a church dance at St Margarets Church Hall. Her friend had persuaded her to attend after finishing their shift. Neville at that time was completing his conscription and seconded to Camps around the UK before returning to his job in Brymbo Steelworks.
They were both swept off their feet and married on the 16th July, 1955 at Engedi Chapel, Brymbo. Marion was welcomed into the Davies family. Neville’s parents Emrys and Edna Davies, Neville’s sister Marian and wider family provided love and strong support to all the family over the years. Neville and Marion had three daughters Lynne, Alison and Karen. Marion completed her SRN training in 1959. Neville’s position went from strength to strength and he became Works Manager. Marion took up the role of full-time mother and supported Neville in his managerial role. She made many friends, enjoyed gatherings and travelling abroad for holidays.
Neville’s managerial role increased over the years until the family moved to the works house in Brymbo, there, life became very different. The house was an open door with staff, visitors and dignitaries from the steel industry. Marion fulfilled the role of host and steward for many occasions at Pen Y Garth with aplomb. She opened fetes, crowned beauty Queens, was invited to speak at meetings at the WI. This role presented her with many challenges and those present would assume that she was a natural. Unfortunately Marion suffered from anxiety and stress and her adult life was threaded by episodes of depression. Having a strong faith in God and the support of her family got her through the darker times of her life.

In 1984 Neville and Marion decided it was time to retire and to enjoy their life at their holiday home in Abersoch. This new life opened up opportunities for Marion, enabling her to engage in various community activities of her choice. She was an active member of the WI, leading sewing classes, making items to raise funds for her favourite charity Hope House Hospice. She was a proud member of the Llangian church congregation. Marion found great joy in flower arranging particularly for the church. She entered her arrangements into the church festive competitions and occasionally won Best in Show. Marion and Neville also supported Brymbo Male Voice Choir and she loved attending the public performances. They both arranged a performance in Abersoch which was well received by the community.
They made many friends, enjoyed sailing and went on trips to Ireland and Jersey on their boat Sequoia. They loved sharing this life with their grandchildren Simone and Joss, Richard, Simon and Sophie. Having fun days out visiting the beach, sailing, fishing, cooking the catch on board and swimming around the boat. Abersoch became a special place and it is these wonderful memories that the grandchildren will certainly treasure. Marion and Neville have played such a huge part of the grandchildren’s happiness, being amazing role models and bringing such joy and love into each of their lives.
Marion was diagnosed with dementia in 2008 and Neville was steadfast in being her carer through the declining years as Marion lost her independence. Neville had a health episode in 2015 which meant that they moved back to Gresford to be near their daughters, in order that they could support them to remain in their own home. Lynne, Alison and Karen played a huge part in caring for both Marion and Neville, ensuring they were surrounded by love, positivity and the best care possible every day with them each having the invaluable support of their partners, Gwynn, Vaughan and Fraser.
Marion also received excellent care from Suzanne, Marilyn, Jeanette and Emily. Helen her key worker took her on much loved outings to Singing Club and garden centres. She went to Chirk Court for daycare and the team there looked after her so well. Marion loved to see young children visit the home and also had great joy in seeing the younger members of the family Eira and Ethan.
On the 24th of June, Marion had a fall at home, surgery followed which seemed to go well but complications came at a daily pace and it became clear that she would not recover. Her only wish was to be home with Neville. Pantomime Ward helped the family to fulfil her wish. Marion came home on the 2nd of July and passed away peacefully with her family around her.
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It is a comfort to Neville and the family that Marion received excellent care on Pantomime Ward and was supported by Gresford District Nurses in fulfilling her wish to return home.
The family wish to thank all of those that made such a contribution to Marion’s life and those attending today’s service. We wish to convey our gratitude for everyone’s expression of sympathy and condolences.
In lieu of flowers, we invite those who wish to donate to make a donation to either Hope House or Alzheimer’s Society. Both charities being personal to Marion. She worked hard to raise funds for Hope House and suffered personally from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
We would like to invite everyone to join us in a celebration of Marion’s life at The Wynnstay Arms, Ruabon following the service today.
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Those that knew or met Marion will have their own memories of what she meant to them and there will follow some picture memories of Marion throughout her life.

Link to memory slide reel:

https://vimeo.com/user38272678/review/347916140/d3225565f5

Password for Vimeo version is Marion

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13A9kxt5KmeXQ8ab7gsds_nQoVfdSfnvX/view