A tribute by Linda Ginn.

Living in the “big house” in Westleton and offering hospitality to many holiday-makers, it was not unexpected that on one occasion, Mary was surprised to find strangers in her dining room.  They had mistaken her home for an antique shop and were browsing amongst the horse brasses, candle-sticks, and the silverware on her magnificent, highly polished sideboard and dining room table!

Mary’s Christian faith meant everything to her.  She nearly made it to 100 years of age, and has been a long-standing member of Mothers’ Union.  Indeed, she was the personification of MU, through and through, always gently supporting and encouraging parents, God-parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, giving them the confidence to bring up children in the Christian faith.  

When I joined the MU in 1985 Mary was the Enrolling Member or Branch Leader, and in 1989 she took on the role of Saxmundham Deanery Presiding Member.  When I last visited her at Argyll House B&B, before she moved to the Foxearth Nursing Home, she still had the certificate of 30 odd years, signed by the Vicar, hanging on the breakfast room wall just to prove it! 

Mary was an inspiration in both spiritual and practical ways - praying with and for us,  playing the piano and organ for our church services, making and buttering Suffolk rusks for all our community events, bunching up daffodils for Mothering Sunday, and so much more….  

I especially valued Mary’s wisdom and experience of life - she had the gift of time which she shared abundantly.  Always available - particularly during the difficult times and family crises - I knew I could depend on her love and practical support.  Her influence has had far-reaching consequences, and she has enriched not only my life but those of my family and the wider community too.  Mary found any and every opportunity to serve – she loved, and in return was much loved by the community at Westleton, and further afield.  She will be sadly missed.  May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

This comes as a tribute to her faithfulness in prayer and her Christian love in action.  Thank you, Mary, for all those happy memories, and for everything you gave us.