My Favourite Aunt
Created by Kazp 3 years agoSheila was 11 when I was born and my first memory of meeting her was when she came to visit us “down south”. I think she was about 17 or 18 then. The next thing we knew through Nanna Mason was that she was engaged and was soon to marry Allan! My mother, Sheila’s sister Joan, was never a good correspondent but luckily my father, Ron, was! We kept up with family news via mail for many years and rarely came “up north” for Christmas, although I do remember staying with Nanna during one of my school holidays. It was very clear that Sheila got her love of sewing and making beautiful clothes from her mother. I was in awe of the coats, dresses and lampshades Nanna made at 96 Wavertree Nook Road!
In late 1965, we went to see the Oxtoby clan in Harpenden – we were doing our Royal Progress before setting sail for Australia in 1966. The boys thought Nigel was wonderful as he was very happy to play games on the floor with them. The girls were a little more hesitant but he won them over!
Nanna Mason came over to Australia in about 1973 and we were hoping that more of the clan would come too! (Paul and Claire came to visit later and we had a wonderful time with them in NSW and the Northern Territory). From 1979 onwards we came over to the UK regularly and whilst the pressure was on to keep everyone happy on the Godwin side of the family, we always tried to travel up to see Olive and George and Sheila and Allan. My parents also made many trips to the UK over the years and were also always warmly welcomed by the Harris and Oxtoby families, as were my two daughters.
The last time we saw Sheila was in 2018 when Rod and I went to Ambleside to stay with Alison and Colin. She was always my favourite aunt: I think it was because we were close in age. She was thoughtful and caring, always putting others first; she was elegant and stylish, intelligent, well-read and up to the minute with the news. I will miss our chats on the phone and the possibility of further trips to Leicester.
Our love and condolences to all her family from Karen, Kimberley, Belinda, Joshua, Maia and Rod
May she rest in peace in the beautiful surroundings of the trees, united with Allan.
In late 1965, we went to see the Oxtoby clan in Harpenden – we were doing our Royal Progress before setting sail for Australia in 1966. The boys thought Nigel was wonderful as he was very happy to play games on the floor with them. The girls were a little more hesitant but he won them over!
Nanna Mason came over to Australia in about 1973 and we were hoping that more of the clan would come too! (Paul and Claire came to visit later and we had a wonderful time with them in NSW and the Northern Territory). From 1979 onwards we came over to the UK regularly and whilst the pressure was on to keep everyone happy on the Godwin side of the family, we always tried to travel up to see Olive and George and Sheila and Allan. My parents also made many trips to the UK over the years and were also always warmly welcomed by the Harris and Oxtoby families, as were my two daughters.
The last time we saw Sheila was in 2018 when Rod and I went to Ambleside to stay with Alison and Colin. She was always my favourite aunt: I think it was because we were close in age. She was thoughtful and caring, always putting others first; she was elegant and stylish, intelligent, well-read and up to the minute with the news. I will miss our chats on the phone and the possibility of further trips to Leicester.
Our love and condolences to all her family from Karen, Kimberley, Belinda, Joshua, Maia and Rod
May she rest in peace in the beautiful surroundings of the trees, united with Allan.
Pictures
Joan (sister) and Sheila date unknown
Joan (sister), Sheila, Ron (Joan's husband) circa 1942
Sheila and Steven? date unknown