Since arriving at Parkfield House Nursing Home in March 2023, Maureen has shared her fascinating life story with us. It’s a tale filled with adventure, family and a zest for life that continues to shine brightly, notwithstanding her 88 years.
Born and raised in Hayes, Maureen’s early years were shaped by the upheaval caused by the Second World War. At the age of eight she was evacuated with her mother to her grandparents’ home in Maidenhead. One day the house was obliterated by a bomb, leaving behind just a curtain of dust and rubble. To this day Maureen vividly recalls how she had been eating cherries when the bomb hit, while the scar on her leg is also a constant reminder. Everything was destroyed in the blast – her precious toys, clothes and the family’s entire possessions.
Now homeless, Maureen, her mother and grandmother sought refuge with relatives in Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Liverpool. They all lived in a modest two-up, two-down mining cottage without gas or electricity, relying on oil lamps and cooking over an open fire. Despite the challenges, Maureen has fond memories of those few years, including her uncle’s daily tin bath ritual after finishing his shift down the pit.
Tragically, her father died while serving with the army in India. At the time her mother was pregnant with her younger sister Christine. Despite these hardships, Maureen has always cherished her role as a big sister to Christine and John, who came along much later, forging a bond between the three siblings that remains strong to this day.
Returning to Hayes after the war, Maureen excelled at school, passing the 11-plus exam and developing a love for history, geography, and sports at grammar school. She left school at 17 to work as a wages clerk, beginning a long and varied career that encompassed several industries, including 24 happy years as a housing manager for the London Borough of Hillingdon.
As a young woman Maureen loved dancing (especially the passionate tango) and regularly went to local dances. Her future husband Douglas, a factory press-setter, would never dream of setting foot on a dance floor but faithfully met her at the end of a dance and walked her home, or she rode pillion on his bike! After a year of courtship, the couple married and eventually raised three children – Susan, Stephen and Mandy. Tragically, Mandy was to pass away young, leaving behind four children, who still remain a cherished part of Maureen’s life.
Camping trips, especially to the South of France where they explored the wild beauty of the Camargue, are among Maureen’s favourite memories of family life. Memories of watching flamingos and enjoying the sights of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are particular highlights for her.
Maureen’s hobbies have always reflected her vibrant personality. A talented water-color artist, she regularly painted flowers and scenery and was a member of an art society until the pandemic brought about its closure. She also participated in the University of the Third Age (U3A), enjoying meals, theatre trips and visits to stately homes.
One of her most remarkable achievements was to travel alone to India in her 40s to find her father’s grave in Chennai (formerly Madras). Arriving without accommodation, she was warmly welcomed by Gurkha soldiers, who hosted her and guided her visits to the cemetery. Maureen made two trips, both deeply meaningful, and each time she was touched by the care and respect shown to the graves by the Gurkhas.
Here at Parkfield, Maureen has embraced the home’s social life wholeheartedly. She participates enthusiastically in arts and crafts sessions, plays games like Eye Spy to keep her mind sharp and enjoys impromptu celebrations such as birthdays or national anniversaries.
“At the drop of a hat, we have a party,” Maureen laughs, clearly relishing the community spirit here at Parkfield.
“You don’t think you’ve had an interesting life,” she says modestly, but her life tells a different story – of resilience, creativity and an adventurous spirit that continues to inspire those around her.
Contact us 