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Margaret Quinn

Death is nothing at all

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into another room. Whatever we were to each other we shall remain. Call me Mum or Margaret, laugh as we always laughed at the times we shared and the memories that we made. They will live on forever. Pray, smile, think of me and pray for me. Please don’t let me be out of mind because I am out of sight. I am waiting for you, just around the corner – All is well – You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Mum was a Liverpool lass, born Margaret Derrig in Rock Ferry, on 14 June, 1932. She was the youngest of 5 children, growing up with two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have sadly passed away. Mum went to Sacred Heart School before getting a job in civil service with the Ministry of Transport in the famous Liver Buildings Liverpool, overlooking her faithful River Mersey. It was here that she met our Dad, her beloved Tony, who was her boss’s chauffeur. They courted on the Mersey Ferry. The courtship was interrupted after a cycling holiday in Wales, when she fell ill and was eventually diagnosed with TB. She experienced her first period of social isolation, consigned to a sanatorium for 18 months, where she met her life-long friend, Bette. Tony fetched her home after 2 Christmases away and they were married in Rock Ferry, Wirral in October 1954. In 1956 and 1958, Michael and Peter were born and then, in 1968, Frank became the final addition to the Quinn household. Our family moved to Crewe in the late 60’s with Tony starting a new career with British Railways, and Mum resuming her friendship with Bette and husband, Reg Stoneley. After renting upstairs accommodations in Rolls Avenue, we purchased the family home, 13 Flixton Drive, Wistaston. It was a happy home, with holidays at Butlin’s with the Stoneley’s, and their twin girls Diane and Annmarie, and days out on the train to Rhyl, Blackpool and of course Liverpool. Mum had a passion for sport, when she was younger, she was a keen cyclist and then, in later years, swimming, where she became Chairman of Crewe Flyers and a Northern Counties swimming official. She would also be seen on the touchline loudly encouraging the various football teams over the years. Her presence, wit and banter were always something to behold, and she proudly watched on as her son, Frank, reached Great Britain status in his sporting endeavours.

Our family grew up on a limited budget, but we were always well fed and dressed, even if Mums’ personal tastes were a touch on the lively side. When Dad retired, Mum took over the role of provider and became a care worker at the Manor Way Care home. Working nights, she was a trailblazer in the care system that we recognise nowadays, and who has looked after Mum so well in her final years. Mum knew more than her fair share of tragedy, losing her father when she was 7 years old, losing her son Peter aged 21 in 1980, and her husband Tony aged 76 in 1993. But her faith in God somehow gave her the strength not only to go on but to live life to its fullest. Mum was a unique character, one of a kind. She travelled far and wide, across North America, Asia and throughout Europe in later years. But Crewe was her home, and Liverpool was her heart.

Margaret made an impression on everyone she met. If you could win her over then you were in for one heck of an entertaining journey. Mum was a character and it is testament to her nature that she has formed so many long-lasting friendships over the years.

We remember Christmases together. Going to Church, trekking down Joey the Swan for Midnight Mass, then all the chaos in the kitchen as Christmas dinner was prepared, then Dad staring in disbelief as we wolfed down all before us, pausing only to find out who had the sixpence coin in the Christmas pudding. The sense of being part of a family together and just living for that moment, before a car journey to distant relations on Boxing Day, is one everlasting memory.

Mum had good health right up to her late 70’s. We as a family have been lucky to have wonderful carers and close family looking after her in her last years. Mayfield House, and thereafter Hollymere House are truly wonderful places where Mum was allowed and encouraged to be Mum. And even in this final experience of social isolation for her, we will be forever grateful to the carers who enabled us to be close with her in her final days.

It’s with sadness that we have to let our Mum go. She leaves behind 4 grandchildren to Frank and Debbie; Jenny, Isaac, Oliver and William. They all have fond memories of the Nana who was fun-loving and so often over-adventurous. Trampolining in your mid-70’s is definitely not recommended! Her son, Michael, wife, Karen and extended family in the US and the UK, also treasure the wonderful memories shared. We as a family will draw closure and comfort from her painless passing and as we let her go to be with Dad we say: Thank you for being our Mum and “Good Night, God Bless, See You in The Morning”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Condolences

  1. Kevin&Sue Newland on April 26, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    Margaret a truly unique personality!
    Much loved and remembered fondly.
    Margaret will always have a special place in our hearts.
    God Blessxx
    Condolences to all the family.
    You are in our thoughts&prayers.
    Kevin&Sue Newland

    - Approved by oconnell
    • Frank Quinn on May 5, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      Dear Kev and Sue,

      On behalf of Micheal and Frank, thank you for your kind words. Margaret was indeed a unique personality. We are so glad that you have such fond memories of her.

      - Approved by oconnell
  2. Diane West (Stoneley) on April 26, 2020 at 1:09 pm

    Margaret – a second mum to Annmarie and Diane. My godmother and named after her in my middle name. Margaret set me off on my civil service career providing a reference for me. As I developed and if had a good appraisal review or moved up a role I would attribute my progress to Margaret’s start and belief in me. We shared food together I would test recipes and she would decide if the dish was good. We also shared thoughts on bringing up boys and multiple sing songs of the 60s era – the Mersey Sound, Beatles, Billy J Kramer, Freddie & the Dreamers, Cilla. Anyone Who Had A Heart ???? yes she did: she was funny, a colourful character and in her fashion wear choices raised a smile, dancing queen, fab fuschia grower – with a Liverpudlian razor sharp wit. “Margaret – the Mighty Quinn fun loving Liverpool lady” . God be with you, rest in peace with all your loved ones gone before us – but you’ll never be forgot Xx ????

    - Approved by oconnell
  3. Annmarie Stoneley-Rees on April 26, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    Beautiful words for a beautiful lady condolences from Annmarie and Dave love to all the family x

    - Approved by oconnell
    • Diane West (Stoneley) on April 26, 2020 at 7:14 pm

      Annmarie you were instrumental in getting to the care home and the hospital ???? to show your love. Without you we would not have got what was to be out last message of our love ???? on a card – you got it there in person. Very special of you. Xxx

      - Approved by oconnell
  4. Mary O’ Toole on April 26, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    It was a pleasure to visit Margaret . She was a real character with a quick wit . She loved her family, Liverpool football club and Lourdes. Deepest condolences to Michael and the family . She will be missed .

    - Approved by oconnell
    • Frank Quinn on May 5, 2020 at 7:16 pm

      Mary,

      Thank you for your condolences. You were a really good friend to Mum sharing many happy memories. When her health limited her ability to get around, you came to visit and for that we are truely thankfully. We will look to having a memorial mass and ceremony, potentially in the autumn and hope that we can meet up to share some more memories in person,
      Kind regards
      Frank and Michael

      - Approved by oconnell
  5. Pauline Dyde on April 27, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    Sincere condolences to you all. Very fond memories of Margaret and the “ old days “ From the Dyde family x

    - Approved by oconnell
  6. Jane on April 30, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    To Frank & Michael,
    Beautiful words from you both, she would be very proud. Margaret was one seen, never forgotten and I loved our zany conversations together, mainly about travelling, America and of course our shared home town of Liverpool! We will miss her, love and hugs to you all for tomorrow. We will be thinking about you & tuning in online. Lots of love from Jane & Mark xxx

    - Approved by oconnell
  7. Jenny Quinn on April 30, 2020 at 11:52 pm

    This sums Nanny Margaret up perfectly. Well done to to Frank and Michael for composing this.

    A colourful spirited force of nature that entered my life at the age of 3- and what an impression she made! She made me laugh- like my Dad does- without apology. She was always true to herself, I loved that about Margaret.

    Years of sleepovers at Venning Road is one to mention. She brought a colour and energy to our little home. She filled the space that Dad left behind when he was on regular military trips away. She was an amazing support, and frequently sloped away for a sly ciggie when she could nip out to walk the dog!

    I was lucky enough to see her 2 months before she passed- and took my new husband to meet her too as she was unable to attend our December wedding. She certainly lived up to her legend and he was absolutely taken with her. She possessed that magic that immediately won people over.

    I’m convinced my taste for bright prints has been influenced by my Nanny’s forward thinking style!

    Always in our hearts, and never forgotten- we love you Nanny.

    Love from Jenny, Isaac William and Oliver x

    - Approved by oconnell
  8. Sue Comley on May 1, 2020 at 7:21 am

    Happy memories of a dear friend. I send my love and thoughts to all the family at this very sad time.
    Rest in peace Margaret, may you be reunited with past loved ones. X

    - Approved by oconnell
  9. Dear Frank and Michael,
    We are very sorry to read of Margaret’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your families.
    We have very fond memories of Aunty Margaret and visits to the family home in Crewe. Margaret was a great friend to our Mum and they enjoyed many happy times together. Joan slipped away on 16 May at Grove House in Birkenhead.
    Hoping that we can reconnect and share memories of Margaret and Joan in the near future.
    Christine and Sue

    - Approved by oconnell
  10. Karen carr on May 31, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    Fond memories of aunty Margaret, not our real aunty, but we always called her that. Good friends of our mum Joan Carr. Also we knew Micheal. Frank and Pete(the boys) kind regards to them. Karen, bev and lee/carr

    - Approved by oconnell
  11. Diane West (nee Stoneley) on June 14, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Thinking of Margaret today 14th June, her birthday ???? and thinking that in heaven she will be reunited with her family the Quinn’s, the Derrig’s, the McPhillips, and many friends (including the Crewe branch of the Stoneley’s and the Carr’s). Maybe not with us visually but certainly not forgotten, and very much loved. Donating to one if Margaret’s charities today in memory. Diane Margaret.

    - Approved by oconnell
  12. Michael Quinn on June 14, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    Happy Birthday, Mum!

    - Approved by oconnell

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