May Haynes (19 Aug 1922 - 16 May 2014)

Born May Green 19th August 1922. May was the 2nd youngest of 5, her brother Ernie and sisters Ada, Alice, Doll, and Gladys died several years earlier

May and Gladys were sent to live in an orphanage following the death of their mother. And it was in the orphanage Mays strength of character was about to be built, not prepared to be bossed around she looked after her younger sister Gladys and made their escape. The family knew then it was a waste of time sending them back.

May was married to Sam on 28th February 1942 she was smitten by the handsome man in uniform. They had four children Linda, Roy, David and Sandra, 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

May worked for many years as a domestic at West Heath Hospital formally “The Sanatorium”
Initially working evenings then when the family were older mornings. She always made sure the family were alright whilst she was out at work; she kept them busy with chores so they couldn’t get into mischief – “well that’s what she thought.”

May loved to be with friends and would arrange day trips holidays and parties; May enjoyed her bingo and having a flutter on the horses and was always ready to dress up for the club parties.
A special friend Audrey has been there for almost 59 years and knows more about May than anyone else they have been neighbours, worked together, socialised and had family holidays they always kept each other in check. And to the family has been Aunty Audrey.

May was always proud of her appearance and her son David nicked named her Mrs Bouquet (Bucket) as she was always keeping up appearances hair had to be done, clothes colour coordinated and that posh voice she tried to use when answering the phone. Apparently this was not something new, Audrey remembers the day May moved into Staple lodge Road back in 1955, she arrived wearing a burgundy coat, pushing a burgundy pram with Sandra in and Linda, Roy and David wearing Burgundy blazers so as you can see May was a proud lady even then.

There are far too many stories to be told some sad, funny and those that could make your hair curl, however everyone here will have their own memories one thing that can be said is both May and Sam were committed to their family.

May has been without her devoted husband for 22years and though she was a fighter she never lost her fight for life but won her battle to be reunited with Sam
and Linda.