Stacy Ermine Thomas (4 Sep 1934 - 27 Aug 2019)

Stacy Thomas, our Mum, was born on 4 September 1934 on the island of Bequia, part of Saint Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) to Lawrence Quashie and Marjorie Quashie (nee Tannis). One of 6 brothers and 7 sisters, she was part of a close large extended family. Mum trained to become a midwife and was known in SVG as ‘Nurse Quashie’.

Mum met our Dad, Percival Thomas in Bequia when he came over on a visit from the mainland of St Vincent. Dad emigrated to England in 1961 and sent for Mum that same year. Mum and Dad married in 1961. Mum and Dad had two children: Heather who was born in 1962 and Colin who was born in 1969. We moved to Bruce Road in 1966.
Mum’s midwifery qualification was not recognised in the United Kingdom much to her disappointment, and so she became first a general nurse, and later a psychiatric nurse in the National Health Service working at Queens Hospital and then Netherne Hospital in Coulsdon. Mum worked in the NHS until she retired in 1997. Mum was a classic example of the ‘windrush’ generation who came to the UK in search of better a life and also to make contribution to the UK.

Mum and Dad divorced in 1997 but Mum continued to live at Bruce Road until she died. Bruce Road became synonymous with mum. It remains the only address that family and friends from abroad can remember. Mum’s faith was important to her and when we were younger we attended Parchmore Methodist church and in her later years she attended Clifton road gospel hall.

Our mum passed away unexpectedly following a short illness on 27 August. She was a much-loved friend, sister, cousin, great aunt, grandma and of course a mum to us. She will leave a big hole in all of our lives. We give god thanks for her life and knowing that she is resting in eternal peace.

Heather and Colin Thomas

P.S. Mum had both the sickle cell and thalassaemia traits which affected her health in her later years, but she was greatly helped by the Croydon Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Group. If you were intending to buy flowers for Mum, we would encourage you to donate to the Support Group instead so that they can continue with their good work.