Margaret Finnie HUNTER (28 Aug 1924 - 30 Jun 2017)

MEMORIES OF OUR GRAN - FROM THE GRANDCHILDREN

Before writing this eulogy, I asked Sean and Katie, Ruari and Ciara for their special memories of Gran and what they loved about her the most. Everyone’s responses were similar: she was loving, caring, selfless and kind-hearted. She was never too busy to listen and she always showed an interest in what we were doing. Gran would always provide council and guidance and she was always very supportive of our decisions. Although Sean and Katie grew up on the other side of the world, Gran and Papa were still as big a part of their lives as they were of Ruari’s, Ciara’s and my own.
Some of Katie’s fondest memories of Gran were helping her to cook up a storm in the kitchen and the countless nights that Gran would read the adventures of The Magic Faraway Tree with Papa falling asleep beside them. She writes, “While I will miss speaking to my bubbly and proud Gran over Skype each week and keeping her up to date on the latest down under, I feel at peace knowing that she isn't in pain and suffering anymore. I will always love and miss you Gran, and just know that I am thinking about you each and everyday.”
Keeping in contact with people can be difficult from abroad, but as they didn’t live the busiest of lives, Gran and Papa were the ones that I was able speak to the most via Skype in the time that I lived in Taiwan. Gran was always interested to hear my teaching stories and about how my classes were going. She would always contrast the ease that we were able to stay in touch through Skype with the difficulty of keeping in touch that they experienced all those years ago in Zambia; the only way they could keep in touch with family in the UK was by writing letters or a 3 minute phone call on Christmas Day. Through Skype, Gran and Papa were also able to attend Sean and Liz’s wedding and to meet their first great grandchild, Bella and more recently, Noah.
Their 66 year marriage is an amazing achievement, and one that we can all look up to. In Sean’s words “Gran, what you and Papa have shown me in marriage is something that I want with Liz - a life of happiness, love, laughter and friendship.” I’m sure that it is a feat that we would all aspire to replicate. Sean also mentioned Gran’s joy any time she saw a picture of Bella or was able to speak to her on Skype. The love and adoration for children that Gran had was what made her a great Gran, and it was evident on the few occasions that she met her step great-granddaughters, Frankie and Lillie, and her great-grandson, Loui. She was incredibly proud of her great grandchildren.
Even though she was 92 years young, she’d sometimes share a wardrobe with Ciara her 25 year old granddaughter. It probably wasn’t a wise move to give Gran some of her old tops on that one occasion, as after that every time Ciara would visit Gran in Exeter, Gran would comment on her top, to which Ciara would respond ‘No, Gran.. you’re not having this one!' Gran was always incredibly proud of us grandchildren and we all fought for our photograph to have pride of place on her mantelpiece. When asking for contributions for this speech, Ciara wrote, “Unfortunately for the boys, Katie and I won that battle and got centre stage, at least they still made the cut though, unlike Mum and Uncle Ally whose photograph got demoted to another shelf.” Well Ciara, we boys have been on the mantelpiece in our graduation gowns for years now, we don’t mind stepping aside to give the baby girls of the family sometime on centre stage.
For Ruari, Gran was his first ever memory, sitting on the stairs in the house on Upper Broadmoor Road looking out the window, waiting for our new born sister to come home. Now one of his last and fondest memories of Gran was her holding her great grandson, his son, Loui. I remember a family lunch at Wrefords Lane many years ago. We had sausages and mash. Somehow we all ended up in tears of laughter at Papa’s exaggerated impression of Gran, saying “Gran loves sausages”. This became a frequently used quote, so much so that I received a picture message from Ciara just a few weeks ago of Gran sitting in her chair with a big smile, a plate of sausages and the caption “Gran loves sausages”. While it breaks my heart to see that empty chair next to Papa’s, it doesn’t seem like she’s truly gone. I keep expecting her to potter in from the kitchen, humming an old tune and asking if anyone would like a cup of tea or something to eat. That was Gran; a fantastic host, always wanting to help. Even at the age of 92, she would always ask if there was anything that she could do. There’s a part of her that will never leave us and she truly will live on in our hearts.
We all have countless happy memories of gran. Her life was full of stories, adventures, travel and most of all, family that loved her dearly. Gran was the heart and soul of the family and we are all going to miss her very much but I am sure she is somewhere up there with Auntie Helen, gossiping away and smiling down on us.
Here’s to our Gran and a life well lived.

MEMORIES OF OUR MUM - FROM ALLY AND LIZ
Dad, or Papa as he is known to the grandchildren, married his lovely bride Margaret on 6th January 1951. Later that year when Dad graduated from Cambourne School of Mines in Cornwall, he whisked Mum off to begin their new life in Africa. In those days it was an epic journey taking several weeks by ship and train to get to what was then known as Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia).
There they spent 28 years together raising their family and forming some strong and everlasting friendships. Mum cared for dad unreservedly for 66 years of marriage and provided a happy and loving family home for us all. Their retirement in the UK has been spent amongst other things, visiting family and friends in Australia and other continents and cruising the world. We couldn’t think of a better retirement! Mum has had an incredible life, full of love, laughter and happiness.
We both have fond memories of mum, somehow a lot of them revolve round food – the chocolate cakes mum would make for us for afternoon tea in the garden in Chingola, what she didn’t know at the time was that Mike and Steve Abraham & Ally were drinking her babycham and smoking round the corner of the house whilst consuming the delicious chocolate cake! Mum was famous for her baking; rock cakes, ginger snaps and the Anzac cookies now famously known to the grandchildren as Granzacs! Fortunately she shared her recipe for Granzacs with Liz so the grandchildren and great grandchildren need not worry that they will never taste them again!
Whilst visiting Australia mum and dad discovered if they bought their coffee at the Doughnut King in the shopping centre they would get free doughnuts. Being Scottish, there is nothing like a bargain! When that deal ended they discovered Michelle’s Patisserie which sold very rich but delicious vanilla slices called Napoleons. Mum would never let Dad have a whole Napoleon, much to his dismay so they always shared one. This rationing of cakes continued through their lives, dad has never managed to have a whole apple Danish from the farm shop up the road; he has always had to share it with mum.
Mum wasn’t known for her technical expertise but she wasn’t happy that we were all sharing our photos on Facebook, and one day we all received a little friend request from Margaret Hunter – she had made her own way onto Facebook! There was nothing mum loved more than seeing photos of all the grandchildren on Facebook, Messenger and, more latterly, Tinybeans.
Mum was always a happy, loving, positive and selfless person. She was definitely a “worry wart” and always worried about everyone and everything, whether it was warranted or not. The only thing which Mum never worried about was herself, it was always about others; that was the person she was, and that is a great tribute to her.
Mum has always been known for her whistling, singing and humming, she happily whistled, sang or hummed all day and every day.
Mum was the best mother and grandmother a child could ever have; the door of 94 Wrefords Lane was always open to us all and nothing was ever too much trouble to mum. We know that we are very fortunate that we have all been able to spend so much happy time with mum and dad in Exeter, Crowthorne and Australia, and for the grandchildren to have had the opportunity to get to know and love them both so well.
Our memories of Mum are only happy ones, and, ones which we will keep in our hearts forever. Whilst she may not be with us in person any more, she will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
We love you Mum, you are very special to us and we all miss you terribly.

We remember Auntie Margaret as a kind and gentle woman. A really nice person, when Mum (Vera) thinks of Margaret she remembers her contagious chuckle when something tickled her fancy.

I first met Margaret and Keith, with Lizzie in 1980, at Helen and Dan's house in Purley, Berks. I also met Margaret's father, Mr Walker, a formidable character. I later got to know Margaret and Keith better through our visits to Exeter and their visits to us in London. Whilst meeting two individuals it was as though you were meeting a unit. There were always the two, Keith and Margaret. We had many broad, wide ranging conversations, from poetry to cookery etc. When being entertained in Exeter, the fare was most enjoyable. Margaret was an excellent cook, baker, conversationalist and linguist. Margaret was a lady of fine intellect whose opinion was to be respected.

Bon nuit, Beau reve, Dormez-bien. Adieu...........

I've only known Margaret for the last 12-15 years. She was a lovely caring lady - always cheerful and smiling - lovely to be with. It was a privilege to know her and share some of her milestone birthdays and family events with her. My condolences to Keith, Liz and Allie- and their families. Thinking of you all. Lesleyx

I will miss my Great Auntie Margaret very much. I like writing stories and emailed them to her. She always took the time to read them and tell me how good they were. Auntie Margaret gave me good advice about my older sister because, as she said, she was once an older sister to my Gran so she knew how sisters can sometimes argue, especially when they are teenagers!! We always visited her when we went down to Devon and she always made lovely cakes for us!!! I will miss her very much.

I have many fond memories of Auntie Margaret starting with our holiday in Zambia when I had just turned 7. She had such a wonderful sense of fun. Over the years I have come to know her as a happy, cheerful, kind, generous, relentlessly positive person; never complaining and always looking on the bright side of every situation. I don't think I ever heard her say a bad word about anyone.

She was also a source of wisdom, strength and encouragement to me when we spoke regularly as my mum was going through her final illness. I know that Margaret and mum were very close. I messaged Auntie Margaret on her birthday last year when we were abroad. She said in the course of her reply that she missed mum "especially when a memory crops up that only she and I share". Its reassuring to think that they will now be reminiscing together to their hearts' content, free from the confinements of old age and illness!

Margaret's legacy is also evidenced by the wonderful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she has left behind. All good, kind-hearted people of whom, I know, she was very proud.

I will miss her - but will also celebrate 92 years of a life well lived. God Bless you, Auntie Margaret xxx.

Our family Christmases in Zambia will always be one of my most endearing memories of Margaret, and what family truly means, not simply of blood lines, but of the extension of warmth and kinship amongst life-long friends. I count myself as extremely fortunate in knowing Margaret, first as Mrs. Hunter, those many donkeys years ago, and today, as Mil, the very best Mother in Law I could ever have wished for. Mister and Mrs. Hunter, Keith and Margaret, Fil and Mil, your life-long partnership has been an inspiration to us all, and it is very easy to comprehend the outpouring of love that the passing of Margaret has brought. Rest in peace and contentment, Margaret, a life well lived and loved.

So sad to say goodbye to our dear neighbour Margaret. Such a lovely lady and always so welcoming and friendly whenever we visited her and Keith.
May she rest in peace.

My Gran is someone who I will always remember as beautiful, loving, caring, selfless and happy. Despite living on other sides of the world I was able to share many special and happy memories with my Gran that I will always remember and treasure. Some of our beautiful memories included the sleepless nights of reading the far away tree book together when Papa fell asleep on us; spending hours in the kitchen cooking her famous Granzacs and delicious rock cakes; and drinking her not so tasty soda water from her soda stream machine together. While I will miss speaking to my bubbly and proud Gran over Skype each week and keeping her up to date on the latest down under, I feel at peace knowing that she isn't in pain and suffering anymore. I will always love and miss you my beautiful Gran, and I just want you to know that I am thinking about you each and everyday. I hope your flying high with Aunty Helen and keeping a close eye on our special Papa too. Rest in peace Gran. Love Katie.

Gran, our memories will always be cherished and our relationship will be forever lasting.

You were always so generous, kind-hearted and loving. You always offered guidance, support and advice. You were unreservedly proud of your family!

I am going to miss our Email, Facebook and Skype exchanges that we used to keep each other updated on life's journeys from other ends of the world.

I am so blessed that you were a part of so many milestones - visiting Australia when we were younger, finishing school, university graduation, moving interstate and being at our wedding (thanks to technology).

But the thing that I cherish most is that you were able to be a part of Bella's early years growing up and being a Great Gran for the first time.

The joy and happiness we saw in you every time you spoke or saw a photo of Bella - I will never forget and will always hold close to my heart.

I am so happy that you were able to meet Noah, albeit briefly - but I'll be sure to make sure he knows of our Gran - the intelligent, proud and ever-so-caring lady.

It gives me peace to know you are at rest and looking over all of us - but, it still doesn't make it easier knowing that you aren't with us each day.

What you and Papa have shown me in marriage is something that I want with Liz - a life of happiness, love, laughter and friendship.

I have never-ending respect and love for you and how you have lived life to the fullest. If I can achieve half of what you have, I will be a happy person.

Gran - you are no longer with us, but you'll never be forgotten. Always in our heart.

Make sure you keep and eye on Papa from up top!

Love Sean, Liz, Bella & Noah ❤️

At family gatherings Margaret would always be smiling and happy to see everyone. She had a warmth about her and a love of her family that was so clear to see.

One of our fondest memories was her utter excitement to meet Frankie, immediately asking where she was upon our arrival at The Brambles.

Margaret took a great interest in the goings on in every ones lives.
Kind, loving and caring, an inspiration to all

Tom, Tam & Frankie xxx

Mrs. H was a very special lady who like many we met in Zambia became more like family than friends. Mrs H will always have a special place in our hearts as we hope we had in hers and the the Hunter family. Our condolences to all on your loss. We will be with you in thoughts on the 14th,

My first memories of Aunty Margaret are in Zambia as part of an unique friendship between a group of Cornish mining engineers and their wives. She was always kind, warm and wise and with Uncle Keith shared a wonderful sense of humour. She never forgot my birthday and significant days in my and my children's life. Farewell to a special lady. My thoughts and prayers to Uncle Keith, Liz, Ali and their families

Mrs Hunter became Margaret to us in the later years but we would always refer to those wonderful chocolate cakes as Mrs Hunter's chocolate cake!
A lovely lady - the very best - her wonderful personality and happy smile will be sadly missed by all.

Gran was such a kind hearted woman who would do anything for anyone, she had such an incredible life and as kids she would always tell us stories about her life experiences, these stories soon became very familiar after hearing them repeated on various occasions when gran had forgotten she'd already told us those ones!

My gran was really a quite extraordinary woman, I mean what 92 year old shares a wardrobe with her 25 year old granddaughter. I don't know if it was a wise move to give gran some of my old tops on that one occasion, as after that every time I would visit gran in Exeter she would comment on my top, to which I would respond 'gran your not having this one!'.

Gran loved to read my university essays, which was lovely of course, until she started to ask questions about essays I hasn't yet thought about myself, to which I'd reply 'I'm just working on that one at the moment gran'.

Gran was always incredibly proud of us grandchildren and we all fought for our photograph to have pride of place on her mantelpiece, unfortunately for the boys, me and katie won that battle and got centre stage, at least they still made the cut though, unlike mum and uncle ally whose photograph got demoted to another shelf.

I have countless happy memories of gran, from our childhood holidays to Exeter, to endless games of beetle drive and eating granzacs. Gran was the heart and soul of the family and we are all going to miss her very much but I am sure she is somewhere up there with auntie Helen, gossiping away and smiling down on us.