My Loved One 

Amen

Aunty Truda by Anne Middleton, Truda's neice and god-daughter

 A Eulogy read at the Requiem Mass.

On behalf of my family I would like to say a few words about our Aunty Truda – a remarkable life and a remarkable woman. 

Born in Lincolnshire in October 1922, her mother, my grandmother was a teacher and her father a farmer.  Her fathers family at one time were the largest land owners in Linconshire, but over the years a dislike of banks and a like of living meant that family fortunes had dwindled – but still in 1922 and during Aunty Truda’s childhood they could be described as very comfortable.  Unfortunately the marriage failed and the family was split with my mother staying at the farm with her fathers family and Aunty Truda – then still a babe in arms – went with my Grandmother to a small Linconshire village Nr Market Raisen, some miles away from the farm, where my Grandmother took up the post of Headmistress in the village school. 

Aunty Truda tells stories of a bygone age of innocence with village fete’s, nativity plays, visitors for tea, church hall type activities and singing – lots of singing.  So many times I was told yet another story about this beautiful village and the wonderful villagers and the very happy childhood – when we recently visited the village I felt I had been there before – it was just as AT described it.  At 6 years old she attended a boarding school in Lincoln – being one of the youngest boarders at that school it seems the nuns took quite a shine to the little girl and she enjoyed her time there immensely. 

When she was 17 war broke out and AT went to London to study nursing at the Royal Free Hospital.  My mother was also in London at this time and so when my Grandmother retired due to ill health she joined them and the family was reunited.  Unfortunately the London blitz shattered my Grandmothers nerves and so to escape the bombs she decided to move to Cardiff with an old friend who originated from Wales – we called Aunty Rita. 

Coming to Cardiff removed the stress of living in wartime London, but not the fact that my Grandmother was ill and so Aunty Truda gave up her nurses training course to come to Cardiff and look after her mother. 

When Lois was born in 1944, the little girl was doted on but like so many in those war years AT’s wartime fiancé was killed in action and she was left to look after the family on her own. 

In the late 50’s Aunty Truda met Uncle Bill while they were both nursing in Velindre Hospital – and in 1959 they were married.  When I was growing up no one ever mentioned Aunty Truda on her own – it was always Aunty Truda and Uncle Bill.  A special treat for us was to be invited to their house for Sunday tea – brown bread and butter, ham and all the trimmings and sponge cake or fruit cake (cut and come), singing along to songs of praise – the table laid with a beautiful cloth and the best china was used even for us children - very special memories in our family. 

Our family had their own problems but Aunty Truda never forgot us for birthdays and Christmas – all through the years.  My sister Shelagh was perhaps the closest to Aunty Truda when Lisa was growing up as they lived quite close at that point – Aunty Truda always loved children and of course so did Uncle Bill – so many a time they would volunteer to babysit for Lisa and I know Lisa has many fond memories of being looked after and spoilt in their house in Pentwyn.  We lost touch for many years and when we met up again it was to find Uncle Bill quite ill and Aunty Truda taking care of him – as she had done for my Grandmother years before.  The memories relayed by Aunty Truda and Uncle Bill at this time were clearly those of such a happy marriage, of working together, of joint friends of travelling, of dancing, his favourite food, her favourite flowers - of supporting eachother and the love they had for one another shone through in every possible way. 

When Uncle Bill died 6 years ago, Aunty Truda missed him terribly and every story, every event, thereafter would always include what Bill would have said, what Bill would have done.  Uncle Bills family played a big part in their life together and she would I know have been thrilled at the number of cards and messages I have received from a great number of them telling me how sad they are that she is no longer with us. 

6 months ago her daughter died of cancer and Aunty Truda was heartbroken.  Although she was a shining example of the ‘no matter what life throws at you – dust yourself off and get on with life’ this was an event which touched her deeply.  

Since this time friends like Eileen and Byron here today, Linda and the ladies who have their hair done on a Thursday, neighbours and friends and Mary and Alistair from Uncle Bill’s side have been a regular part of AT’s life and I know she has very much appreciated and treasured these friendships and associations.  

Lol, Lawrence and I saw AT nearly every Tuesday since Lois died and Lol used to speak to her most days.  I will miss her sense of humour, her knowledge of so many things, the debates, the stories and the links back to my grandmother and past generations.  She lived a full and active life, never idle, totally independent – it was only 6 weeks ago she was running on a beach in Suffolk when visiting my brother.  Her passing is an end of an era in our family.