 |
| Dolores Medd (1934-2015) |
On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, mum passed away this morning just after nine o'clock: the fight had gone out of her. And, anyway, she wouldn't have thanked you for being stuck in hospital with the temperature outside nudging 100 degrees - like all Medds, mum spoke in Fahrenheit not bloody Centigrade. She was a formidable woman, and that's putting it mildly. We never always saw eye to eye, but in the last few years we were closer than we'd probably ever been. When I was poorly after first moving up here she worried about me like a new mother would worry about her sick baby in an incubator.
I need to gather my thoughts properly before the funeral, as I want to say a few words; I know dad would want to speak, but he said he'd lose it. I might still.
So sorry to hear this John - and I send you and your family my thoughts and best wishes. I appreciate you sharing this news and this lovely tribute here; I'm sure there are many of us reading this who also understand much of what you may be feeling right now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly gorgeous photo! She was beautiful.
So very sorry to hear this John. If the words you use at the funeral are half as well chosen as the ones in this lovely tribute, you'll do both your parents proud. Sending you and the family my best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThat really is a terrific photo.
If you feel strong enough to give the tribute at her funeral I think that would be wonderful, you have such a way with words and it is always so much better than even the most well briefed stranger doing it. Obviously we all send our love to you and all the family. Mum will be there for the funeral and I may well be xxx
ReplyDeleteSending strength and fortitude your way.
ReplyDeleteI heard the news from my mother this morning. Sorry to hear. I met your mother a few years ago and it was clear she was proud of you. Hope the funeral goes okay.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you all. I will miss her tremendously. We had some laughs and your dad has noone to tell him off anymore. Much love xx
ReplyDeleteAs ever, I'm always genuinely moved by anyone who takes the time to leave comments here: especially now. Thank you, it means a lot.
ReplyDeleteHey John and Jenny. Heard your sad news. Just wanted to say that I am thinking of you all. Sending hugs. Heidi
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThank you Heidi. We're spending a few days in Ireland (meeting up with a couple of mum's sisters), but we'll be back real soon. I'm talking to my dad about coming up north and spending some time with us. And, if he does, you know where we'll be bringing him.
DeleteDelete
And I will have a warm welcome and a hug ready for your return. And yes Dad must come too. Love to you and Jenny xx
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDolores Medd (1934-2015)
ReplyDeleteDolores, was born Dolores McNamara on the 15th. of September 1934 in Strokestown, County Roscommon in Ireland. She was one of fourteen: Sean, Phyllis, Gerry, Joe, Myra, Mabel, Olive, Dolores (or Lola as she was always known in the family), Carmel, Paddy, Adrian, Noel, Bernie and Stella.
Dolores came over to England when she was only seventeen to pursue a career in nursing. In 1951 she began her training at the Western General Hospital in Anlaby Road, Hull. After becoming a full SRN she then became a midwife and was soon cycling all over Hull delivering babies with nothing more than a few towels in her saddlebag!
Not long after arriving in Hull she met Gordon and they began stepping out. But when Gordon was called up for National Service in 1953 they decided to stop seeing one another.
However, within a couple of years of of Gordon returning from his posting in Germany with The Royal Marines, Dolores would often bump into Gordon at local dances. Speaking to one of her younger sisters (Carmel – who is here today) around this time Dolores confided 'I've just seen Gordon Medd again – he's smashing!'
They were engaged in 1958 and married in September 1959. They then set themselves a target of being able to buy and move into their first house within a year. One year and a day later they moved into 86 Wymersley Road in Hull, for which they had paid the princely sum of £1,875.00.
In December 1960 John was born and three and a half years later his brother Anthony came along.
In 1969 Gordon's job brought him down to Grantham and in the July of that year they bought a house in Dale Road. Two years later they moved 'round the corner to the current residence in Rushcliffe Road.
Dolores was a staff nurse at Grantham General but was soon offered a job District Nursing. With her trademark red Mini, Dolores was visiting patients in their homes all over the town and found her new role very rewarding. Elderly patients in particular would strike up a bond with her and would often make jams or knit for her.
Gordon and Dolores' grandson, James, was born in 1990 to John and his wife Jenny. Dolores was a very proud grandmother.
Dolores retired in 1991 and was able to spend more time on the golf course (She and Gordon had been members of Belton Park since 1975), and more time playing Bridge – her two passions. Though arguably, speaking to John, these were eclipsed by her tea drinking and her love of crosswords!
Dolores and Gordon would always go abroad every year on holiday. Being very much creatures of habit they spent many of their vacations in Spain and Cyprus. So much so that they went back to the Aloe Hotel in Pathos twenty two years on the bounce. The manager, who by this time had become a firm friend, would give them the same room every year.
In recent years Dolores hadn't enjoyed the best of health, but Gordon, the new nurse in the family, looked after her like only loving husbands can. He made sure that she wanted for nothing and was as comfortable as she possibly could be, barely leaving her side.
After suffering a bad fall only just over two weeks ago Dolores was rushed into hospital where she passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 1st. of July. She will be missed greatly – by Gordon, John, Jenny & James and Anthony, Gail, Daniel & Eden and all her friends and family,
Well done John. You did your Mum proud.
ReplyDeleteHi John not sure if you'll remember me, Gillie, Anne Harrowing's daughter, your mum was my Godmother. This is the only place I could find you.
ReplyDeleteHi Gillie, of course I do! How are you? Please feel free to email me: john[at]johnmedd[dot]com
Delete