Born in Downham Market on 17th August 1953, Maureen grew up in Colkirk and enjoyed a happy childhood spending a lot of time with her extended family; including her much loved Nan and Grandad. As a young teenager she moved to RAF Watton with her parents and siblings, and began a brief period of employment at the Watton Post Office. When her father was demobbed from the RAF the family moved back to Colkirk, where her mother and wider family still live. She worked for a short time at Fisher Builders in Hempton,  then left in 1972 on the birth of her son Nick.

With the help and support of her family she raised Nick as a single parent, supplementing her income working on the land with her mother, strawberry and apple picking, blackcurrant trimming-hard work in all weathers. In addition we must not forget her long stint as probably the best barmaid in the world at the Colkirk Crown where she made many long lasting friends and acquaintances. At this time she took advantage of her youthful looks, fibbed about her age and enjoyed an Italian 18-30 adventure with her sister Jackie, much fun was had.

On a blind date in 1986 she met and later married her husband Pat. In 1987 her second son, Thomas arrived and in 1990, a much hoped for daughter, Jessica was born. The family enjoyed local life, trips to Leicester visiting Pat’s family, and especially summer holidays spent mostly in seaside caravans and railway stations because Thomas had caught the train bug.

Meanwhile, Nick had grown up, met and married Rachel. Maureen made both Rachel’s wedding dress and also the two bridesmaids’ dresses showing her considerable skill as a seamstress. Nick and Rachel went on to produce four grandchildren, Shannon, Megan, Ethan and Zach who Maureen loved and was very proud that they had all become fine individuals.

When the children were older Maureen and Pat often went on adults only holidays, not to escape the children, but to enjoy dining, dancing, a few drinks and exploring new areas of the UK and abroad.

Maureen worked at Morrisons Cafe for the last 24 years and was well respected by customers and colleagues alike. She wouldn’t take any stick from the difficult customers but dealt with them in a professional manner and then when she got home explained how wrong they were!

Maureen liked people and loved a good chat but most of all she loved her family and now as she leaves to pull a pint for family and friends upstairs we say goodbye.

My best mate Mo Mo, we loved you too.