Joyce McDonald (4 Jun 1934 - 13 Jul 2015)

I can see myself walking through your door and into the front room, you on your chair in the corner and Tina on the one next to you. TV on, Christmas tree up and a pen in your hand for the cross word. Hold each other tight Granma, goodnight to you both xxxxx

Well my darling Mutti, it's been nearly 6 years since we said goodbye. I have been reading all the lovely messages left for you, about you. You were and are so loved. I am sat here crying because I still miss you so so much. I lost my little Marnie last November she will be up there with you licking your legs, that did make you laugh, you found it quite soothing so just let her carry on. Marnie and I loved each other for 15 years Mum so you take care of each other up there. As much as I want you back my darling Mummy i am glad you have not had to suffer the covid year, I don't think I could have dealt with it if you had gone into hospital during covid and not being able to be with you. I see your beautiful smile every day in your photos but would give the world to have you in front of me now to cuddle you and kiss you and hold your hand, not too tight Mummy, the Arthritis you know ha ha. Loving you always, miss you to the end of my days, until we meet again. <3 <3 <3 You would be so so proud of our girls and grandchildren Mummy....

Lovely day visiting you at Chapel today with your great grand babies. Miss you lots Gma. Love you xxxx

Love you to the moon and back. Miss you xxxx

Missing you so much Granma. It's nearly mothers day and also nearly your little mans 1st birthday. You should be still here with us getting excited to come over for his party. I know you'd have spoilt him rotten. We always sing your favorite nursery rhymes to him. Love you forever and always xxxx

Merry Christmas Granma. I know how much you love this time of year and I think of you every time we turn on your festive candles. You're always in my heart xxxxxxxx

Missing you so much granma. Love you to the moon and back xxxx

Miss and love you Granma xxxxxx

Its been 2 months now my Mutti and I still miss you so much, so many times I wish I could have picked up the phone and had a chat, so many times I have come to your house and desperately want to see you sitting there in your chair. In my head I am saying 'its just me' when I walk in and on the way out I am saying 'bye Mummy, Love you'. I am trying hard to remember the times we spent together but my heart is crumbling that little bit more knowing that I will never be able to hug you and kiss you again and feel that unrelenting love that you had for me and your family. Family and Friends are there for me Mum but its you that I want to talk to, I could say anything I liked and knew that you would understand, I could off load my problems and know that even though you couldn't change things for me you were there with a shoulder to cry on. I could do with that shoulder now Mum. We will be scattering your Ashes on Saturday 24th October 2015 at Chapel St Leonards, another chance to say our Goodbyes. I am told it will get easier my darling Mummykins but cant imagine how at the moment. I will always Love you so so much and will always miss you. Ich liebe dich Mutti Loving you always <3 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hoping to visit Eldern tomorrow, sit out in your garden and see if the cat friend is there. You garden has a really distinctive smell, the wood from the shed and the flowers/trees. Takes me right back to being small and playing with my dolls / the neighbourhood boys skateboard. Going out your back gate to walk to the shops or catch the bus. Remember when we walked from yours to our house down Tower Street? It felt like the longest trek ever, singing songs and looking at all the flowers. Love you xxxx

Love you great granma. From Jackson xxx

Love you xxx

I went to your house with mum today to sort through some of your stuff. Seeing cards and postcards that I've written you/made when I was teeny tiny was so lovely. Thank you for keeping them, I have them back now and will make sure they are kept safe. Jackson had a nice little sleep on your bed, cuddled up to one of your scarves. I know you're at peace now but I selfishly miss you and I would do anything for Jackson to have had longer with his great granma. I know he'll be too young to remember you but I promise I'll make sure he is surrounded by pictures and memories for all his life. I love you Granma and I'll make sure he does too because I know how much you adored him. Sweet dreams beautiful lady xxxx

Sleep sweet Joyce xx

How and where do I start to describe this lovely and unforgettable lady? Joyce was such a caring, loving and understanding person. I loved popping round for our little chats, always accompanied by a nice cup of coffee and ginger biscuits.

I will miss doing those Aldi shopping runs to pick up her little favourites...ice cream and lemon cheesecakes. I will miss her laugh and cheeky grin, not to mention her raunchy sense of humour!

We often spoke about her having a red light bulb by the front door as this would accurately reflect all the men that used to pop in and out, if you know what I mean! Joyce was quite happy for me to come in from the front or back entrance as long as she knew in advance!

While it was undoubtedly one of the saddest moments of my life to be by Joyce's bedside with Fiona and Robbie when she passed away, something inside tells me that Joyce somehow wanted me there so she could say goodbye.

I feel privileged to have had Joyce in my life as a friend and second mum after mine passed away in 2011. She was a tower of strength and was always there for me.

All that remains for me to say is that when I finally manage to find my oats, Joyce will be the first one to know!!

God bless you girl. Love you, miss you and will never forget you.

Johnny Elvis xxx

I won’t ever forget just how welcoming, happy and easy going you were when we met for the first time so many years ago. The special box of chocolates that I brought with me to give to you that day really broke the ice and made you laugh out loud.

I remember seeing you again after being out of touch for several years and it was still the same laughing happy Joyce that I knew from before, still caring for and looking after her extended family.

I am so very glad to have known you Joyce x

Joyce, you came into my life and became my "Special mum". You gave me and the twins unconditional love and support . You made my life so much richer by allowing me to be part of your family. Love and miss you to the moon and back. Hope you've now met my mum and are looking down together and smiling xx

I will remember rummaging through your nail varnishes to choose you a colour and then painting eachothers nails. Sitting on the back of your armchair and brushing your hair, giving you different styles and playing with the accessories. Playing bingo with your friends and winning lots of tins of tuna. Trying to sneak down stairs when I woke up in the morning and you calling me through to your room for a cuddle because 8:30am was much too early to be awake. Getting excited when you put your Christmas tree up with the moving train and track around the bottom and the dancing festive characters you bought from QVC. Walking to the Herlington for a portion of chips and curry sauce with raisins in it. I'll remember how much you loved me and how much I hope you know I love you xxxxx