with love and best wishes
Margaret Haggerty (14 Aug 1946 - 16 Aug 2016)
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MargaretWoodgreen Pets Charity
Born 14th Aug 1946, daughter to Bill and Jessie Stemp, in West Hoathley, East Sussex, second of four siblings (Ron, Shirley and Ian).
Her father (Grandad) was a farm tractor driver; work led them to move to Crondall, Hampshire when Mum was a young girl. Mum regularly sang in the church choir, was a Red cross member and a Sunday school teacher.
Mum had many happy and funny memories of her younger years, growing up in a busy home, where both her parents worked hard to provide a happy and stable home. Mum would often spend summers with her Aunt May, helping her cousins and her Aunt run a boarding home - she really enjoyed those holidays and shared a few naughty moments with us when they would play tricks on the guests.
After leaving school Mum went to work in Boots and trained as a GPO telephonist. During the early 60's Mum met our Dad while he was still on active service. James (Jim) Haggerty & Margaret Stemp were married on 23rd Sep 1967, at the local Church in Crondall, married by the vicar who had seen our Mum grow into adulthood.
They began their married life in Scotland, living with family in Drongan and then moving to a flat in Ayr. Their first child was born in April 1969 (Karen).
Mum and Dad moved back to England in the early 70's and set up a family home in Blackwater, Surrey where their second child was born in Sep 1975 (Robin). Mum had various jobs working in a warehouse, administrative roles, shop work and childminding for a few years when Robin was young. Mum and Dad moved to Cove, nr Farnborough in the late 80's. Mum worked for many years as a PA in the MOD (RAE, DERA) which she really enjoyed. She worked hard and really enjoyed the challenges the role offered.
Mum was supportive of the local Cubs group, helping at the weekly meeting and camping with the boys. Also at this time Mum became a very active member of The Samaritans, spending many hours in the call centre answering phones and speaking to people face to face, even taking on the role of fund raising and often did car boot sales, roping Dad in to help on many occasions.
Mum also took on a lay person role, inspecting local care homes, reporting back areas for improvement and things that worried her.
Mum and Dad began a new chapter together when they moved to Bourne for Dads retirement. Mum became known as Granny Cuckoo to her grandchildren (James born 1998; Emily born 2000).
Mum started work as a receptionist at Peterborough Walk In Centre which she really enjoyed.
After mums hip replacement in 2006 it was not possible for her to drive, so she found other interests and activities to keep her active and interested in life. Our Dad supported her to get to different venues and when the weather was good, Mum could be seen on her mobility scooter, making her way around the town. Mum started a blog about her scooter adventures, some of which she shared in the parish magazine.
Mum is now a published author, 'Lottie And The Land Of Dofstram' sparking her trilogy, and I think she surprised herself at her achievements. Mum also knitted for the world; blankets, jumpers, teddies - the knitting club was a regular diary commitment.
Mum also supported the local foodbank and was outraged many times that in a modern society, foodbanks were required at all. Mum would regularly write to MPs and Ministers sharing her concerns and seeking answers to issues that worried her. She was an active member of 38 degrees. Mum also enjoyed the discussion groups with U3A, scrabble club and various music and poetry evenings at the local church hall and corn exchange.
Our Mum loved her family - she was so proud of all their achievements, watching us all grow from children to successful adults with families and lives of our own. Most of all Mum loved our Dad (her Jimmy, her hubby). Mum loved her bungalow and spending time in the garden, feeding and watching the birds, enjoying her flowers and adding various garden ornaments (gnomes and fairy lights) to create a splendid and colourful display, day or night.
Mum celebrated her 70th birthday with her family around her doing the things she loved best; in the garden, playing music, talking, laughing and caring for her family.
Mum collapsed at home and despite best efforts never regained consciousness. Mum passed away on Tues 16th Aug with her family by her bedside.
We miss you Mum and love you so very much.
Rest easy now xxx
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