Christine Emily Jane Barker, Nee Roberts
Was born 20th June, 1939 at 79 Darwin Street, Highgate, Birmingham made herself known to loving and doting parents Violet & Charles Roberts... as a tuesdays child mum was full of grace in both personality and poise.
Mum was born months before the Second World War began. Her older siblings, Anne, Ken and Charlie were all evacuated to the countryside. Nanny Violet had a six month old to look after and had to run from shelter to shelter in Birmingham hoping to find one with room for her and mum. Thankfully Nanny kept them both safe, they both lived a long life, meaning I could be here, meet my husband Anthony and our two girls could be the next generation.
As a child Mum ran everywhere, she loved sprinting and long distance running. She always got sent to get the gas mantle for her mum, running to get there and walking very steadily back home. She trained when she could with the Birchfield Harriers but, sadly Ill health took away her dream of competing.
Mum spent most of her youth from 13 to 21 having major operations and recovering in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. She lived with her illyostomy for all of her life and praised the NHS all of her life. Dr Cook or Cookie who operated on her and the dear Sister Scattergood for getting her a bible. That bible got her through those tough times and was the start of an unshaking faith in God that stayed with her all of her life.
When she recovered in her early twenties, Mum became a nursery nurse and she loved all the children. She used to deal with the babies, tweenies and toddlers. She met my dad at Knowle British Legion and married a few months later November 6th 1971. They would of been married 49 years on the 6th November (the day after mums cremation). I’ve arranged that they will be side by side in the memorial garden and when the dawn rises on their anniversary they will be together.
After a couple of years of married life, I became a twinkle in dads eye and i was around just before 3 years of marriage. Due to a mix up in hospital notes Mum and I nearly died in childbirth.. the scar tissues from the ops prevented a natural birth but they continued that route until my exasperated dad ran through the QE and got mums illyostomy doctor, Dr Cook. Dr Cook rushed to the scene and overruled the maternity Dr in charge. So mum finally had me by C-section. My dad was scared to death by the whole thing and having more children were never discussed again.
Mum was a quiet and gentle mother who had amazing patience and I miss her so very much. Mum loved spring and summer, the long days, gardening and going out in the evening returning when it’s still light... but, the exception was we all loved a family Christmas, it was probably mums (and my) favourite time of year...
Mum and Dad were an amazingly close couple with rarely a crossed word. Both hated confrontation and avoided it at all costs. Mum was Dads rock and Dad was Mums.. in the best possible way she was his supporting act which Dad needed to be his best. They complemented each other entirely, they were devoted to each other, loved family, loved great food and were rarely apart. They were bread and butter, fish and chips, strawberries and cream.. they just were perfect together, they made each other complete.
They say that dying from a broken heart is just a myth but I truly believe that mum despite suffering with Altzeimers knew on some level that Dad had passed and that she dearly wanted to be with him. She got her wish and she passed 32 days after him. I take solace in that their love for each other was so strong that they couldn’t be apart and a marriage like that is incredibly special. Whilst they are gone too soon I have my very special memories to cherish always...
The funeral collection
With much love.. Pam & Nick xx
I wish I had lived closer to my beloved sister, I talked on the phone regularly until recently but I will miss her dreadfully as will my daughter, Susan.
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