Violet Magee A tribute to my mum, Violet (1916 – 2009)

  They say that old soldiers never die, they just fade away, but in like manner heroines never die, they begin a new chapter. 

Violet, (my mum) was the heroine of From barren rocks to living stones and Paradise island, heavenly Journey. Many who have read the books have spoken of how much they were struck by the fact that she was the one who was crucial in the difficult moments of life. Whether it was the times of sheltering from bombings, living with the experiences of being subject to gunfire, or preparing a family for an evacuation out of the country with half an hour’s notice of gathering essentials, she was the one who made the difference. Her cool and calm exterior was sufficient to bring reassurance to those of us who were accompanying her.  

Out with of the books, there are many other examples that reveal the character that made the woman. During the war, she volunteered for the London ambulance service as part of the war effort. Risking her own life for others in the midst of the bombing during the London blitz. 

Soon after the 2nd World War, she arrived in Italy as a young mum taking the train journey along the full length of Italy and observing the ruins that lay on both sides of the line. Not the ancient Roman ruins, but the ruins resulting from the allied bombings. Then there was the lack of food experienced not only by the native Italians, but by everyone. The shortages had been severe in the UK during the war, but Italy proved to be worse as she sought to care for the family.  

The 1950’s was a decade of voyaging back and forth to the Far East where the family lived for most of the decade. Not by air, but by ship. Six children, and one mum to care for them on the long sea journey as dad had gone ahead due to his service duties with the Royal Air Force. Yes, SIX children.

That was quite handful with a lot of troubles to tend to. I know, I was one of the troubles. There were times of rescuing young children who looked to closely at the fascinating ocean that surrounded them, just in time before they went all the way. There was the searching for a lost child whilst others were preparing to abandon a ship on fire. Worries abound, but undaunted this “super mum” came through with flying colours. 

Following on from the books From barren rocks to living stones and Paradise Island, Heavenly Journey, there is clearly a wealth of material waiting to be published as the heroine made her way through the journey of life.

But the last month of her life was to show that there was more to come as she sought to reassure those left behind. She had no fear of the death that lay ahead. She had a strong faith and was confident that this was not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter of life, even if the process of dying was a rough, tough journey. The heroine lives on, but our gratitude for the cool lady who shaped our lives will forever be expressed.