Margaret Sloan (22 Jun 1938 - 18 Aug 2018)

In loving memory of Margaret Sloan who sadly passed away on 18th August 2018 at her home surrounded by the love and devotion of her family which was her wish. A huge thank you to her GP Dr Welch, Safe Harbour care provider, the Rosemary Palliative Community care team, Macmillan, and our local community Nurse team for all their compassion and care.

Margaret was the second youngest of 8 children, born and raised in Liverpool. Sadly her Mum died suddenly when she was 4 year old. Margaret was sent to live with her Mum's very kind sister, Kate and her husband. Margaret had very fond childhood memories growing up with her Aunt and Uncle. However, Margaret was abruptly summoned home, age 11, to help her eldest sister to look after their father and 6 brothers. It was a very difficult time for Margaret. Her sister was working so most of the housework and care of her brothers landed on young Margaret.

When Margaret left school she worked at the local Meccano factory which she loved. She was part of a small team assembling huge display models. Margaret made many friends through the active social club at Meccano. Over time Margaret knew her passion was to work with children, so was very proud to commence her new role as a Children's Nurse Assistant at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. When her daughter, Diane, was 6 months old, Margaret quickly spotted Diane had contracted bacterial meningitis. Margaret immediately took a very poorly Diane to Alder Hey Children's Hospital where the dedicated staff saved her life for which we are eternally grateful.

Margaret loved dancing at her local dance academy where she entered ballroom competitions with her dance partner who made all her dresses! Years later, when Margaret danced the Waltz with her husband Jim, he always said it was Margaret that was leading him though she made sure no one would notice!

Handsome shy Jim met vivacious Margaret whilst out cycling. Jim was captured by Margaret's smile, warm personality and zest for life. Margaret and Jim married on 23 August 1958, age 20. Margaret and Jim bought a house in a lovely cul de sac in Whiston, near fields where their children, Jim and Diane, spent many hours playing freely. Life long friends were made when living in Esonwood Road; Frank, Beryl, Janet, Christine Gallagher; Billy and Norma Ross; Jimmy and Maureen Freeman, Gwen Dooley, Janet Hudson; and many more. We all remember the numerous house parties we all enjoyed plus outings to the beach. Margaret was a dedicated Mum, ensuring Jim and I were safe, loved and cared for. Margaret was a skilled dressmaker and knitter, she made beautiful clothes for us and Janet Gallagher. Jim and I have very happy memories of our Mum playing games with us especially board games in the winter. We all enjoyed our annual Pontins holiday. Margaret would sew beautiful dresses for herself and Diane plus fancy dress outfits before each holiday.

Margaret spent many hours fund raising for Whiston Scouts and Girl Guides. In 1977, Margaret and Gwen Dooley arranged a street party to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Siver Jubilee. It was a great success, enjoyed by everyone who lived in Esonwood Road and Lancaster Avenue. Most memorable was the football match between the Mums and Sons. Her husband Jim was referree however despite Jim blowing the whistle many times at Margaret it did not stop her rugby tackling the boys in order to gain possession of the ball! ! She had quite a competitive streak in her! Gwen and Margaret went on to raise funds to build Whiston Community Centre on the field very near Esonwood Road where it still stands today serving the community.

Margaret worked on the 'burns ward' at Whiston Hospital. She also made life long friends there with Sister Mac, Kathy Jackson, Sandra, Wendy and Eileen. Margaret was the driving force in setting up the Burns Units own CSSD...Central Sterile Supplies Department, to provide a constant supply of sterile instruments for the specialised burns unit. Margaret was very proud of her role.

Whilst working as Manager of the CSSD department, Margaret and her friend Sandra set up M&S Catering as a part time business. Margaret and Sandra worked hard but always had lots of fun too!

In 1987, Jim gave up his job to support Margaret's dream of owning her own Guest House. They bought an 8 bedroom guest house in Blackpool. Many guests returned year after year to Jim's cooking and Margaret's warm hospitality. Their next door neighbour, Jean and Stuart and their children Carol and Paul were and still are, great friends. Margaret and Jim's grandchildren; Andrew and Charlotte, David and Ste, have many fond memories of being thoroughly spoilt during their stay in Blackpool. She doted on them all including Matthew.

In 2006 it was time to retire so Magaret and Jim moved to Liphook to be near Diane and her family. She continued to devote her time and love to all her family. Margaret used her fund raising skills to assist Hanover Court residents in raising money to build their own communal room where many social occasions continue to be enjoyed. We loved her infectious gorgeous smile, loving hugs and kisses, her loud laughter and most of all her unconditional love. She will be missed by her all her family.

Please write your memories of Margaret plus submit any photos you have for us all to share.
Many thanks for all your love and support during this very sad time.
Diane