Mavis Titmarsh (22 Oct 1929 - 6 Feb 2021)

Mavis was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and Great grandmother. She was the only one of her siblings that was evacuated, Her first job was at the bottom of her road in the chocolate box where she met dad who lived opposite in church hill terrace. she married in August 1952 and while on honeymoon in Southend they met Laurel & Hardy who was on tour after dad did his national service and after living with her mum for 3 years after marriage moved to Burnham Road when she was expecting Jennifer. At a young age she had fond memories of her childhood and learned to play the piano not that she kept it up. I can remember for extra income she looked after children. our favourite lunch was spam mash and beans that I can remember walking to the shop to buy. Jenny also remembers this but she would eat the spam on the way home.
Mavis then worked for the Local Authority in accounts for a while.
Later after Alison came along she worked at the London rubber company.
We moved to a large house in Waltham way until 1976 when Mum, Dad, Alison and Michael moved to Canvey. Pauline and Jennifer were married at that time.
Alison has a memory of Mum and Dad singing "knees up mother brown" in the garden after a night out.
Pauline seems to remember Mum and dad going dancing at the Pali when younger.
Jenny remembers Sunday nights in front of the fire having her hair rolled in rags and getting a spoonful of malt.
Michael could do no wrong as the only boy and would get away with pinching our food.
Mavis had 12 grandchildren and they all have similar memories of her playing board games, cards, going to the beach, playing penny machines.
Mavis was always welcoming to new members of the family including quite a few foster children who lived with Jenny.
Mavis was a marvel in her tiny kitchen and would always produce a meal for whoever turned up from whatever she had. Memories of homemade cakes and snacks that were always available.
Mavis loved going to the Bingo and took some of us with her.
Our family is continuing to grow with many great grandchildren who she has met. The latest Lucy did not get to meet her due to Covid but was sent lots of pictures.