An era has ended and all the memories have gone with her.
My mother was special, as only a mother can be, and I will always remember her for the real love she showed to me and her family, especially her grandchildren, in order, Andrea, Kirsty, Alexie and Christopher, and
great grandchildren Emma, Clara and William who lit up her life.
Many things have been written about the public life of my mother and father, Reg. We all know the strength of Dorothy, who after Reg's tragic death, marched on to start, with her business partner, her music
publishing business that continues to this day. City was still running and I was allowed to compile the charts each week and visit the station whilst my mother also ran dances in the Midlands at weekends. Life was
very busy.
My mother lived her life in many places and some people will hold clear memories with certain towns. In the late 60s she moved from London back to the Midlands, where Susan my sister lives. She opened an antiques
shop in Coventry and joined a drama group, making new friends and helping Susan with her first grandchild. And had her first dog Scampi. He was a scamp! It was here, 33 years ago, that she suffered her first major
heart attack. In the 80s she moved to Blackpool with her dog Sacha who was her companion and friend for 9 years. She made several new friends, including becoming a part time Nana for Nadine, my dear friend's daughter.
My children have many fun memories of a lively Nana in Blackpool, walking the dog with her in their holidays; eating fish and chips; playing on the sand dunes; and seeing the Illuminations on the open top buses.
Happy memories.
My mum spent 8 years near Harrow, where I live. I loved her being near and we often went out shopping, she loved to shop. My husband and I had a house in Normandy and Mum would love to visit it and eat oysters and
seafood in Honfleur and dreamed of being able to buy her own home there. Every year I took her to Henley to see my son Alexie rowing. Five years ago she returned to the Midlands, where she found her lovely bungalow
in Nuneaton. Here she was close to her great grandchildren who brought her so much happiness.
She loved to travel, go on cruises, holiday with Susan and trips to our house in France.
She also loved to cook, especially Chinese and toad in the hole. And when unable to cook, takeaway crispy duck was her favourite. And from the days of Clifford Street, chocolate eclairs - only with fresh cream!
She was generous and helpful to her grandchildren doing as much for them as she was able.
My mother was tough, strong-willed and determined and to the end was really astute, smart and had a superb memory. But above all, she was loving company.
Candy Calvert-Ansari
March 2010
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