EULOGY FOR MARGARET MATTHEWS
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, NELSON
Monday, 18th October 2021
 
Margaret Matthews - Mum - was born on September 11th 1925 at Pencraigfargoed Farm at Llanfabon. She was the eldest of 3 siblings, the others being her brother Norman and her sister, Connie. Though times were tough in the 1930s and her parents, Arthur and Mary found it difficult to make ends meet on the farm, Margaret loved her childhood there – naming the animals and working around the farm. It was these formative years, with the responsibilities of hard farm work and helping look after the family that laid the foundations for the rest of her life.
 
A bright pupil at school with particular enjoyment of English, Maths and Geography, she passed her entrance exams and attended Pontypridd Grammar School for Girls. Her father took her in the horse and trap from the farm in wind, rain and snow, to continue the journey to school from the bottom of the hill.
 
Long, happy summers were spent in Fishguard with her maternal grandparents. Trips out to sea in her grandfather’s motorboat, picnics in secluded coves, catching and eating mackerel were memories she held dear all her life. Being placed in the care of the train guard, though the journey to Pembrokeshire was long, she didn’t mind at all – only minding coming back to reality when summer was over.
 
After leaving school, she headed out to work, finding a position in the Payroll department in Treforest. It was there that she caught the eye of her future husband, Roy. In her own words, after he asked a friend ‘who’s that girl?’ – they were introduced and the rest, as they say, is history. When Roy was posted to Arizona for his pilot training during the war, nearly a year separated the couple. However, to Margaret’s delight, he returned from America with a ring and a proposal.
 
In the closing stages of the war, Dad was listed as missing in action. We can only imagine the anxiety that Mum went through – still only just nineteen years old – as she and the rest of the Rhondda family waited for news. To everyone’s great relief, Dad was posted as safe though wounded, and on his return they were married in March 1946, here in St John’s Church.
 
After a short posting to Manchester, where they welcomed their first child Christine, Roy left the RAF and the family settled back in Nelson. There a further two children; John and Anthony, were born,  and now surrounded by extended family, many happy memories were made. Anthony and John recall spending time at their grandparents’ house, waiting for Margaret to finish work at Mrs. Smith’s the grocers just around the corner, and holidaying in Porthcawl with the rest of the street where they lived - family and luggage mixed pêle-mêle in the back of Mrs Smith’s loaned van. Whenever possible, she would love spending time with her sister Connie in York and London, often saying how much she wished they lived nearer each other.  
 
Though busy enough as a working young mother, Mum was also one of the founding members of the Mother’s Union, a community that she loved. Organising trips, events, fêtes, baking and cooking, in her unwavering support she just didn’t stop. When Christine sadly died in 1996, Mum drew much solace from the Church and gained strength and support from her many friendships there.
 
Her children having grown up, Mum had no intention of putting her own life on hold just yet. She obtained a position at TBS metals in Merthyr where she worked until her retirement – very much enjoying her time there – having fun with colleagues and forging many lifelong friendships. 
 
Meanwhile, Mum and Dad were hugely proud of their growing family and their achievements. Christine had Simon and Jonathan, John and Lydia had Melina, and Anthony and Sian had Elin and Owen. Great grandchildren also followed - Erica, Rebecca, Antoine and Bluenn. She delighted in being a grand and great-grandmother, and all grandchildren are grateful for the time that both grandparents gave them. As the undisputed Queen of baking, with Simon and Jonathan she baked coffee and ginger biscuits and with Melina, Elin and Owen Welshcakes and scones. She always had time to listen and all the grandchildren felt loved and cherished by her.
 
On retirement, Mum learnt to swim and taught us all that it’s never too late to try something new. Mum and Dad attended Spanish classes, determined to try their new skills on their family visits to Spain. A trip to America to visit Dad’s old wartime flying instructor Vince Gann (and other comrades-in-arms) resulted in Dad piloting a flight over the Grand Canyon – one of Mum’s favourite memories. She enjoyed recounting when Vince asked her if she needed a ‘Cookie catcher’ – otherwise known as a sickness bag - to counter her unease at her husband being at the controls.
 
Computer classes then followed – embracing new technologies that enabled her to keep in contact with family and friends the world over. She happily tapped away at her laptop until well into her 90’s – ordering Tesco groceries and catching up with favourite programmes. Mum and Dad delighted in the daily newspaper crossword – and were cash winners on occasion! – and Mum loved the book discussions and meeting her friends at Nelson Book Club.
 
Ever sociable – Mum and Dad were active members of the Nelson historical society. In recognition of their community spirit, they were honoured to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Further royal recognition came in the form of their 60th and 70th wedding anniversary cards from the Queen – a remarkable achievement in a marriage that was a testament to their devotion to and support of each other.
 
When, sadly, Dad passed away two years ago, Mum continued to show remarkable strength and positivity. Though missing his company and despite the onset of Alzheimer’s, true to her nature, her stoicism and cheery disposition remained. The family are deeply grateful for the wonderful care she received from both her carers and friends, especially throughout the last 18 months.
 
Margaret Matthews was a remarkable and true lady - deeply loved by all who knew her. She will be terribly missed, but always remembered for her kindness, generosity, indomitable spirit, and wonderful nature.