Mary Wilcox

On Tuesday we celebrated the life of Mary Wilcox who died on the 9th February.  The sun shone brilliantly for Mary and our church was filled to capacity with her family and her very many friends.

Mary Braddock was born in Yorkshire in 1930 and lived with her grandparents until she achieved her School Certificate in 1947 when she rejoined her mother at Blackbrook.  She met Graham Wilcox at the village hall and they were married in Maer Church.  From a cottage at Blackbrook they moved to Madeley Heath and Woore where Mary was a much loved Bagheera to the cub scouts.

Mary & Graham had 51 years together and raised a family – Ann, Trevor and Phil.  Over the years they were blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren who all adore their very special gran. Family was of prime importance to Mary.  She brought them up to appreciate simple things – days at the seaside and picnics by a river.  A highlight was a trip to Blackpool Illuminations; fish and chips were a special treat.  Abersoch in all weathers was a favourite holiday spot.

Mary radiated love, kindness and a sense of fun.  She followed the example of her parents giving love and care rather than expensive toys.  She had great patience but suffered no nonsense and had many wise sayings such as: “say something nice or nothing at all.”  She hated waste of any kind and  filled her store cupboard with home made preserves.

Her family have inherited her love of nature and gardening.  Until frailty compelled her move to Doddlespool Care Home she would potter about in her large garden at Loggerheads and latterly she greatly appreciated Trevor’s help with that.

Mary was a very much loved member of our church for many years.  Her faith was an integral part of her.  She loved services such as the Nativity when our junior church takes a major part.  At her funeral Revd. Ruth Jeffries spoke about the words of comfort in John 14.  We fear separation but God sent Christ to bridge the chasm.  Love conquers separation and defeats death.  There was great grief here but the choice of music (from Last of the Summer Wine) for the end of the service engendered some welcome giggles.   Mary’s life was full of love.