Beryl Margaret Allen (23 Apr 1937 - 22 Dec 2021)
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In loving memory of Beryl Margaret Allen who sadly passed away on 22nd December 2021.
Beryl was born on St.George's Day, 23rd April, 1937, one of 3 daughters to Ernest Victor and Grace Anne Struebig. They grew up at 4 Southfield Drive, still an unmade road up until the 60s. Open fields surrounded the house on nearly all sides, and Mum's love of nature very possibly stems from this happy period, playing with her sisters both in, and out, of the brook.
On passing her 11+ mum gained a place in Westcliff High School for Girls, where she was described as 'keen' and 'good on the whole', and was made a form prefect.
On leaving school, she went to work for Micanite Insulators in Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow. She was a member of the Micanite Sports and Social club, and took part in organised events such as going to see shows in the West End. She continued to study however, attending Southend Municipal College where she obtained a certificate in chemistry.
After the death of their mother from cancer in 1955, sisters Joan and Beryl took upon their young shoulders the responsibility of managing the household. Joan would cook for Grandad, and Beryl would look after her 10 year old sister Janet.
With an HNC in chemistry, Beryl sought employment in the laboratory at Shell Oil in Corringham, and this is where she met David. The two shared many interests, including a love of science and nature, travel, music, and of the belief that education was the gateway to a life of endless possibilities. They were married in 1961.
The 60s saw the birth of their four sons in close succession, and there followed many happy years of family holidays in Wales, and big Christmases spent with sisters Joan and Janet and their families, the children all of similar age. Mum's inexhaustible enthusiasm and energy was contagious, and her resourcefulness in finding activities to keep us all occupied was formidable.
Beryl began teacher's training in September 1971, and began working at the Deanes School science department in 1974, quickly getting involved in all aspects of the daily running of the school, including pastoral care, and all manner of after-school and extra-curricular activities such as year 7 Summer camp, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, organising the skiing trip and the Christmas Fayre.
Mum retired at the end of the 90s, after more than 25 years service at the Deanes, and was very much missed by staff and students alike. Mum now devoted her time to being super-Grandma to her burgeoning army of grandchildren, and part-time work at the Citizen's Advice Bureau in Rochford.
In more recent years she has allowed herself to indulge in some personal pleasures such as watercolour painting, cooking and gardening, and, of course, as ever, her love of shopping.
Her passing, which came at such an unexpected time, has been a terrible shock to everyone. She will be greatly missed.
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