Violet Elizabeth Nimmo (28 Mar 1921 - 11 Feb 2016)

In loving memory of Violet Elizabeth Nimmo who sadly passed away on 11th February 2016

My Mum was an east end girl. Coming from a large family of 5 brothers and 1 sister. She was nicknamed Pat as a child and this stuck with her throughout her life.
Mum’s dad died when she was young so life was quite hard for the family but they managed to get by often having to make do with bread and dripping as the main meal of the day.
The siblings shared shoes and clothing as my Nan couldn't afford new ones.
Mum left school at 14 and worked in a laundry before taking an apprenticeship as a nurse for the mentality handicapped.
At 18 she joined the ATS, it was the start of World War 2, she learnt to drive trucks and also chauffeured officers around but mum disliked driving and later she went onto operating the search lights over London which she loved. She used to speak with pride about the war and although devastating and heart breaking at times she said the comradery was second to none. She also met my dad in the war and they were married in 1947.
Their first years of marriage were spent in Plough Way, Rotherhithe, South East London opposite the old Surrey Docks in an old Victorian House with a tin bath and outside toilet.
Mum and Dad had 3 children Terence, Jacqueline and Sandra (me).
We enjoyed our holidays in our chalet that dad had built in Eastchurch, in the Isle of Sheppey. We spent most of the school holidays there with mum and dad coming down at weekends.Years later they bought a caravan in Ramsgate so our holidays were then spent there instead.
Mum had various jobs in those early years after marriage, she worked in the City of London Post Office, her mental arithmetic was amazing, and crucial back then with no calculators to help. She also worked in a jeweller’s, and later supported dad in his business often working long hours trying to get jobs out on time, type setting, collating the print, carrying heavy books to and from the city. She also did the accounts in the early years.
We moved from Rotherhithe to Forest Hill in 1967. Mum enjoyed her daily walk to the shops in Sydenham, buying the groceries but she especially liked the department store Cobbs.
In 1977 we moved to Redhill Wood in New Ash Green.
We all eventually flew the nest and Mum and Dad had six grandchildren Natasha, Christopher, Craig, Stephanie, Ross and Paul.
Mum and Dad actually starting taking some proper holidays together too, cruising and coaching around the UK and Europe. They had a soft spot for Scotland, especially the time they stayed with a Laird in his castle. They both loved the bag pipes and mum loved a man in a kilt. Dad was a workaholic and it was looking as though he was never planning to retire.
I have treasured memories of our amazing xmas's together at Mum and Dad's, mum enjoyed cooking for the family and went that extra mile to make them extra special for the grandchildren.
Sadly, we lost dad in 1989 to a heart attack whilst still working in his business. A shock to us all. Dad was 65 years old.
Mum and Dad had been married for 41 years.
Mum lost the love of her life, but remained strong, she loved her children and Grandchildren and we all lived close by so she knew she had love and support around her.
Mum coped well in the years after dad’s death and kept busy with the garden, looking after the grandchildren and looking after her pets. Mum had always loved her dogs and cats and these had always been a big part of her life too. She always took a daily brisk walk to the village shops with the dog and was well known around the village. Although quite a shy person in some ways she would always stop and chat to everyone. Mum also loved to knit and made some amazing jumpers for the children. She didn't even need a pattern to follow.
Mum and her lifelong friend also called Violet, both widows, decided to go on a 69day cruise around Africa mum then aged 79.
Also they went on the QE2 around the Mediterranean.
Mum continued to love her shopping and enjoyed her weekly visit to Dartford Market.
Sadly, mum’s health began to deteriorate and over the past 10 years she suffered mini strokes which led to vascular dementia, her arthritis also got worse in her hands so she couldn't knit anymore as it become too painful. This also affected her walking. Mum’s speech was then affected about 7 years ago making communication difficult.
Mum had 5 Great Grandchildren Connor, Sienna, Scarlett, Gabriel and Reece, and she still had that lovely smile whenever she saw them. The old Carry On Movies still made her chuckle so you could see her cheeky sense of humour was there.
I am especially grateful for what mum did for me when the children were small. I was a single parent and she often looked after them whilst I was working and was supportive throughout their upbringing often going on holiday with us too.
I know everyone speaks well of their mum but I can honestly say that she was the most unselfish, caring and loving person I have ever known. Always put others before herself, saw the good in people making everyone welcome to her home, putting the kettle on as soon as they walked through the door.
She was one month away from her 95th when she passed away. She certainly lived life to the full.
I’m glad I cared for you mum however hard it’s been at times, it was worth every minute to see the smile that you always managed to your dying day.
Your Beloved Daughter