Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 3 September 2015 | Page 37

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE
things to do with writing. She helped me on many occasions and each month would
give me her Writing Magazine — “No need for you to buy one as well,” she would say.
Mary was interested in everything, and the day I drove her to Manly to meet Writers
Abroad member Jill, I had my Sat-Nav on.
“Why is it beeping?” she asked, peering and poking at the little black screen.
“Because the speed limit has changed,” I replied.
“Well, I better get a new one, mine doesn’t do that and I can’t afford any speeding
fines!” she chuckled.
I must add that Mary was not a well person but she rarely complained. We went to visit
her in hospital on numerous occasions and her gentle smile and wonderful spirit were
always evident.
Mary was glamorous! She had lovely thick hair and went to the hairdressers regularly
to have some colour added. She cared about her hands, often wearing pink sparkly
nail polish! (A good hand cream was always a welcome gift at Christmas and
birthdays.)
In her lifetime she had done many things but one of her favourite pastimes had been
chess. Not so long ago she showed me her awards and memorabilia associated with
chess and there were many. She taught herself to play and became proficient enough
to play in overseas tournaments.
Mary loved her family. Monday was a special day for her. This was the day she would
take her two Australian grandsons out for lunch at the local club. She loved their
company. They were allowed to use her little grey car and in return, they would sort
her computer out. The love they felt for “Granny” (as they called her) was tangible.
Mary was Welsh and immensely proud of her heritage. She had a soft and lilting voice.
On answering the phone to me she always said, “Hello love”.
Words cannot express how much I will miss her.
Crilly O’Neil

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