Dorothy MARY Jons

My Eulogy to my darling Mum

Ladies & gentleman, on behalf of the family let me thank you for being here to celebrate my mum’s long life. Some of you have travelled far. Thank you so much

I would like to thank Catherine for allowing us host this celebration of Mum’s life in this beautiful church

Mum & I moved up North last Nov and she loved being back home. Who wouldn’t adore this town & It’s surroundings.

We came to St Mary’s church in Dec and someone in the congregation’s grandfather had worked with Fred Hoyle Mum’s Dad. My grandfather Fred was involved with church councils in Rochdale so probably not that surprising but Isn’t that lovely? It was just meant to be.

Trips to Hollingworth Lake took her back to her childhood & every time we drove towards Littleborough Mum would point out the tiny house that used to be her dentist.

So let me talk about Dorothy Mary Jons. Mary Mary quite extraordinary!

What a top top lady my Mum was. The strongest 💪person, I have ever met bar none.

Born in Rochdale April 14, 1932 to Fred & Dorothy Hoyle. Mum was an only child. After primary school in Littleborough, she went to Bury Grammar School for Girls. She excelled in sport playing hockey for the first team in the centre forward position. Her nickname Tiger Hoylie! Very apt

My dad also attended over the road at BGS for Boys but their paths werent to meet until much later!

In 1948 her father Fred died. He was just 48 years old & she was about to turn 17 years old. My Nanna was a housewife so Mary needed to be the one who worked. It deprived her of her chance to go to University & study medicine. She would have made an amazing GP.

The career’s person at BGS found her a job at Bury General Hospital in the pathology lab. She absolutely loved it, her passion gave her a career. she made some amazing friends and became an expert in medicines.

I’ll skip a bit if I may. she met my dad at NYE party in Dec 1963 – oh what a night! The Frankie Valli song has a special place in my heart.

A trip to a recommended pub The White House had another lovely moment when Mum said this is where your Dad brought me for our first date. Nice choice Dad the views are stunning.

Back to Mum, she had a daughter Jeanne from a previous marriage, my dad adopted her and they quickly had 3 more children

Me Graham 1965

Sarah 1967

Rod 1969

Jeanne was tragically killed in 1970 when she ran into the road on the way to get some sweets. She was 8 years old and She knew only Spring

I was only 4 but I wish I had known her longer, I am sure she would have been a match for my younger sister.

We remained in Bury moving from Minden Close to Starkies (for our school years). What an amazing house to grow up in and we were blessed with loving parents.

I don’t remember Mum ever I had decided to walk home & keep the cash. She was waiting up for me suffice to say I didnt do that again.

Still sporty, Mum switched from hockey to golf and became an active member of Bury Golf Club. She also took up Bridge learning it at Bury Atheneum.

Sadly my dear Dad died in March 1992 aged 62. Mum was 59 – no age to lose a husband.

After finishing at Bury General she volunteered at Citizen Advice Bureau.

After a while Rod, Sarah and I were all living down South so I helped Mum move close to us in Maidenhead. She joined Maidenhead golf club & was a very active bridge player. Whilst able we both enjoyed trips to The Open Golf championship & had some great matches to watch.

She found love in later life meeting Clive and enjoying trips on his canal boat & motorbike. Sadly that was cut short when Clive passed away.

Mum being close by was a great help to me when my world changed in 2018.

Into her late 80s She was finding it more challenging to live independently so in April 2021 when Sam moved out, Mum moved in and we had some of the best times.

I will leave Luke to share some stories.

A couple of lovely anecdotes from her time in Huddersfield hospital. When I first arrived she was being transferred to another ward – I held her hand as the porter pushed the wheelchair. My mum whispered to me – best hand ever. A little later she was offered a coffee – only to turn to me to say – not as good as yours. I had really spoilt her with quality coffee.

I want to sign off by saying I truly felt loved and it was an honour to pay that back where I could. I loved spending every day with her. Making her morning coffee, brandies & sweet treats and managing the nightly routine.

I will miss you every day Mum. I hope you and Dad are dancing that last Waltz with Jeanne & your Mum & Dad watching on. RIP Tiger Hoylie Mary Jons. Love you always.

some words from Luke