Josephine Lauwers – Eulogy – July 20, 2023 (to be read by David)
 
Mum was born in Ancoats in 1931.  She was a true Lancashire lass, with Irish roots, as her grandmother was from Waterford.
 
During the War she spent time away from Manchester, as an evacuee with her younger sister Ellen.  This wasn’t a happy time, and she would often talk about how they didn’t like being away from home and how she missed her older brothers, Paddy and Ken, and her sister Margaret. When her beloved mother was ill with TB, Mum spent some time at a Barnardo’s Home, as her dad couldn’t manage the children. He once put her in the bath with all her clothes and shoes on!
 
Mum started work at 14 as a GPO telephonist.  She would often get in trouble for listening in on calls.  Those who knew her well, would see that cheeky and fun side often!
 
Mum also briefly immigrated to the US to be with her sister.  She arrived in Houston, Texas, and quickly told Dad not to join her: it was too hot and humid, with huge flying beetles everywhere!
 
Mum’s love of travel truly started when she met her husband, our father, Bert.  Together, they would travel around the UK, and often to the South of France. This love of travel lasted throughout her whole life, with visits to places like Africa, South America, Australia, Asia, and the USA. 
But even after traveling so far, she still loved Blackpool, with its lights and The Tower Ballrooms!
 
She was a regular at St Edwards and was the President of the Union of Catholic Mothers for many years. She organized pilgrimages to Lourdes, and visited Fatima, Lisieux, Medjugorje and Guadalupe. Mum had a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and was a member of the Society of Our Lady.
 
For many years she was a dinner lady at Whitworth Special Needs School, and on occasion at St Edwards Primary School. When she retired, she still wanted to help others, so she took a job as a carer; a role she thoroughly enjoyed.
 
Mum was a loyal friend. She would never want anyone to be alone at Christmas.  As a family, we always had an extra one or two guests join for Christmas lunch.
 
Dad died over forty years ago, after only 24 years of marriage, when Angela was at University, and I was a teenager.  Mum was always an independent and strong-willed woman, but most of all a supportive mum who let Angela and me do what we needed to do.  She let us live our lives.
 
Mum was also a devoted Grandmother.  She looked after Sam and Josh when they were young, with many trips to London, along with helping the family on trips abroad.  She never missed a chance to see the boys in a school show, or take them on a trip to Legoland, or a museum.
 
About a decade ago, Mum moved to London, to be nearer her family.  She met new friends and was a regular at the various local senior clubs.  She carried on travelling too, regularly visiting Rob and me in the USA and she loved going on cruises with Angela, Rob and me.   
Mum battled sight loss for over 15 years, and while her health deteriorated due to heart failure, her mind was still sharp.  She would talk about anything and everything…and always have an opinion.
 
In the Order of Service, we have added a Poem that Mum’s mother gave to her on her 18 Birthday “The Clouds will Pass”.  Mum has got this with her today.
 
The other Poem that is included in the Order of Service OR we would like to read to you is “When I must leave you” – a poem Mum selected:
 
When I Must Leave You
 
When I must leave you for a little while,
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile.
And for my sake and in my name,
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways.
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.
And never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
 
While she traveled all around the world, Mum never forgot her Manchester roots, nor her favorite city!
 
Welcome Home, Mum!