Norma Ann Healy (26 Sep 1941 - 15 Jul 2017)

In loving memory of Norma Ann Healy who sadly passed away on 15th July 2017

Mum had a wonderfully dry sense of humour which endeared her to most everyone she came in contact with and it is a great testament to her nature that she formed so many long-lasting friendships over the years and it’s wonderful to see so many of you here today albeit under such sad circumstances.

She was a vibrant soul, one who literally lit up the room whenever she entered. Even when she became less able to get around, Mum was still full of joy and always eager to help out, no matter what the problem was.

Mum was born in Matlock, Derbyshire in 1941, a child of evacuation from London when Winston Churchill was Prime Minister, and The Ink Spots were being played on the wireless.

Once back home in Edmonton, North London she grew up as an only child to Nan and Pop but was surrounded by a large circle of family and friends. There was always some kind of social event going on around their home and laughter was a key element that lasted throughout her life.

Mum was brought up with traditional values and learnt the skills that every girl of the era was taught cooking, sewing, knitting and embroidery but what wasn't and couldn't be taught was the love of her local team Tottenham Hotspur that she always had. From John White, Jimmy Greaves through to Paul Gascoigne, she knew them all.

She taught us many things as young kids that hold us all in good stead today– good manners, respect and sound moral values. These values have made us who we are today!! She would always say, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’. And if you ask with good manners you stand a good chance of getting!

Mum left home in her late 20’s moving to Waltham Cross, then to Turnford, Hoddesdon and finally Kessingland having us 3 kids along the way.

She always had an inherent love of music – in particular, the music of Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick and Queen. She’d always find time to put one of the King’s box sets on the record player whenever she could. Music was a constant in our house.

One of her favorite songs of all time was “The Wonder of you” by The King himself, and a more fitting song to hear as we remember mum there cannot be. She would have been tapping her foot having a drink and smoking a fag for sure!!

Our family grew up with little money, but we were always well dressed. Our mum spent hours in her sewing room making beautiful outfits for us to wear and stuffed animals for Christmas presents. We also never went hungry. The freezer was always full. Mum was always trying out some new recipe on us!! Most went down well, some not so!!

I will always remember our early Christmases together – all the chaos in the kitchen as Mum prepared for Christmas dinner, (scotch eggs, crumbed potatoes and her famous boiled Brussel sprouts and just the sheer joy of us all being together. Mum also carried on Nan’s tradition of putting a silver coin in the pudding. It was with much delight that we would dive into the pudding and eat feverishly, until one of us bit the hidden coin and proudly announced that we were the winner. It was only years later that Mum found out we didn't really like the pudding and only ate it to find the coin.
Mum is survived by her 3 kids, Mark, Neil and Niki and her 5 beautiful grandchildren. This family, and her role as mother and Seaside grandma, was the most important thing to Mum.

Knowing how much her family meant to her, how she loved to cook and potter in her garden growing flowers, I think it was such a blessing that before she passed away Mum was able to spend time in the garden that she and Dad so lovingly created. The plants they nurtured and the love she showed to us all will live on and be with us even now that she is reunited with Dad.

My lasting memories of Mum are simple: a hard-working, passionate figure of strength who never waned in her support or love of her family, and who soldiered on, when times were tough but with a smile on her face.

It is a great privilege to write this eulogy to express the sadness that we all share over her loss. Mum, thank you for everything you've given us – and the warmth we shared during your precious time with us.

Finally, whenever she would send a birthday or Christmas card to us kids or one of the Grandchildren, she would always end it with the words ‘Love always’.

love always. xxx