Irene Mary Allsop (15 Feb 1932 - 27 Mar 2021)

The world became a better place on 15th Feb 1932, when Irene Mary came into the world, second born daughter to Arthur and Adine Johnson in Sherwood St, Mansfield Woodhouse 

Irene – Mum, mum-in-law, sister, grandma, great-grandma, sister-in-law, friend, many things to those who knew and loved her.

Growing up in Doncaster, the location of employment for her father Arthur and mother Adine, like many of her generation, life was unremarkable, without privilege and advantage, when, still as a young child, sadness also paid a visit to the Johnson family when Irene, aged only 2, lost her elder sister, Jean, aged 5, to the pandemic of the day – Diptheria

The family faith in god, surely questioned at this sad time, was happily restored when mum’s younger brother, David, was born in July 1937 

In 1940, aged 8, mum moved into her parents Beck lane address in Mansfield, she began her education at Skegby primary school and then moved up to Station Rd secondary school, where, in 1946, at 14 years of age, with unremarkable exam results and qualifications she left and began her employment book binding at Linneys of Mansfield, followed by jobs with Grooms, and Clark and Orton in the hosiery industry, providing for herself, and, on occasion, for her younger brother, David.

In the Summer of “51” Mum enjoyed her first holiday with her friend in Blackpool, she so enjoyed this – she accompanied her family to the same destination the following year.

Then in 1956, the unremarkable was overwritten by extraordinary and exceptional, when mum realised the joy of seeing the first of her first of 4 sons – David, born in Jan 1956. The pressure and financial constraints showing little signs of relenting as she later in April 1958, gave birth to John, followed in 1963 by Robert, and lastly, and no less lovingly to Paul in 1964. 

Extraordinary, because, as a single mum, throughout our teen years, and into adulthood she took full care and brave responsibility for all 4 sons.

Exceptional, as no son had ever bought any trouble or disappointment to darken her doorstep. (Although John may wish to say something on this in a moment) 

On the contrary, mum enjoyed a full life, surrounded by the humour, loyalty and joy that only a loving family can provide, all bringing something different to the party, to fill her heart with pride.

Throughout her life Irene has always put her boys first and took part-time week-end work at Landers bakery and then became part of the cleaning team at Mansfield BT telephone exchange – add to this that most weeks she had 15 shirts to wash and iron, due to the career paths of her boys -forcing little “Me” time for mum, with the addition of domestic slavery, but, all done, with love, and without complaining, anything for her 4 sons 

Over the years and just before she passed – Mum said many times how proud she was of all her family, they came before everything else, 4 sons,2 daughter in laws, Julie and Yvonne, David’s partner Jane, Paul’s partner Jacquie, 6 Grandchildren, Laura, her firstborn grandchild, who is watching the service live online from Australia, her sister Amy, Brother and sister Alex and Anna, sisters Natalie and Emma and 9 great grandchildren, Lydia, Austin, Jacob, Noah, Clara, Lottie, Evie, Ruby and Vinny - a fine and lasting future legacy- few weekends passed by without mum enjoying some family company –
I was loved

       
In Memory of Irene Mary Allsop who sadly passed away on 27th March 2021