Olwen Juniper (3 Apr 1930 - 18 Apr 2020)

In loving memory of Olwen Juniper who sadly passed away on 18th April 2020. Olwen was born in April 1930, in the family home in Glamorgan Terrace, Llwynypia, South Wales, to Samuel Lewis and Emma Lewis formerly Jenkins. Olwen had 3 brothers, Emlyn, Glynn and Dewi. Olwen grew up in a strongly labour mining community reflecting the importance of mining in South Wales and Olwen remained a lifelong Labour Party supporter.

The family moved away in the mid 1930's to late 1930's to the Acton/Shepherds Bush area of London. When the second world war started the children were evacuated to South Wales to live with their Aunty. As the threat seemed to recede, during the so called "Phoney War" the children came back to London only to be evacuated again during the "London Blitz". In 1944 while the children were playing in South Wales, Olwens brother, Dewi aged 10, was tragically fatally hit by a American Amphibious DUKW vehicle on a wartime training exercise. Sadly Dewi died as a result.
On February 14, 1945 while the family were living at Cleverly Estate, Wormholt Road, Shepherds Bush Olwen's brother suggested they go to the Cinema rather than stay in. While they were out a German V2 rocket hit the Housing Estate killing the neighbours upstairs and causing a lot of damage to the family flat. 30 people died as a result of the V2 rocket attack.

Olwen worked in secretarial roles and trained as a shorthand typist. She had a job offer during her early to mid twenties to work in one of the royal apartments, possibly Kensington. Although well paid this would have meant working long hours, and living onsite near the royal residences and not seeing much of her Parents or brothers so Olwen declined the job offer.
In approximately 1958 Olwen met and began courting with Frederick aka "Dots" Juniper, while she was working in the Tea Shop at Wasps Rugby Football Ground. Frederick played Rugby Union for some of Wasps Reserve sides. They married on the 17th September 1960 and Olwen became Olwen Juniper. Olwen had 3 sons, David, Ian and Jonathan. Olwen worked for the Home Office at Wormwood Scrubs Prison as a Shorthand Typist.
Olwen at some stage went back to college and gained a O level in English and History.
The family moved to Huntingdon in approximately 1975. Olwen transferred her job to work with the Cambridgeshire Constabularly ,in Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon and then subsequently to Huntingdon Social Services.
Fred "Dots" passed away in 1988-1989. Olwen retired in 1995. Olwen enjoyed singing, being sociable, was interested in history and politics and meeting up with friends and family. Olwen enjoyed travel and went sailing with Frederick while they were courting/newly married. Olwen also went to the Dordogne area of France with Frederick, and Paris and Boulogne, and Malta. Olwen was known as liking a glass or two or red wine until later years when she became concerned about her health.
Olwen did become a member of the National Osteoporosis Society and Help the Blind as she suffered with Osteoporosis and Macular Degeneration. Olwen sadly became a bit more confused in recent years but was still able to think of others, and find time to laugh. Recently Olwen was diagnosed with Dementia. Olwen passed away on 18th April 2020. Olwen is survived by her 3 sons and 7 grandchildren.