Michael's Legacy of Love
Michael was devoted to his wife Mary, and it meant the world to him that she received compassionate care and support when she was on the ward at Saint Francis Hospice and he was able to be by her side.
He was so touched by his experience of hospice care, Michael wrote to the charity in 2012 and pledged to leave a gift in his Will. When Michael died in 2022, he fulfilled his promise, and the hospice received £99,000 from his estate so it could be there for more people and families.
Here Michael’s niece Susan Daly, fondly remembers her aunt and uncle and shares why Michael’s love for Mary lives on through his legacy.
Michael was my dad’s brother and the second oldest of four brothers. He met Mary late in life and he appreciated that he had found love. They both had a love of music, and they met through singing in a choir together. They were such a gentle couple.
He was born and brought up in a village in Buckinghamshire where his family had lived for centuries. Mary had a large family and was from Essex.
They married around Mary’s 40th birthday and they had a very traditional marriage. Mary was a great cook, and she used to make her own clothes. She loved to knit and would make Michael jumpers.
Michael was made redundant a few times and he always said Mary was tremendously supportive when they had to move house, and he struggled to get work. They eventually settled in Brentwood, which was close to where Mary’s family lived.
I did not see much of them when I was younger as the brothers all ended up in various parts of the country but in later years, we saw Michael and Mary more.
I remember coming to visit in 2012 and Michael drove me to Saint Francis Hospice to see Mary when she was on the ward. That was the last time I saw her. She came home from the hospice and was cared for at home.
She wanted to be cared for at home and I remember Michael telling me she passed away peacefully. He was so grateful she was able to have her wish.
Michael told me he planned to leave a gift in his Will to Saint Francis Hospice. He was appreciative of the support he and Mary received, especially as they did not have children to help care for them.
He was so devoted to Mary, and it meant so much to him. He did everything he could for her. Even after she passed away, he would talk about Mary with such love and affection.
Michael used to come to us at Christmas and Easter. We were so fond of him and our children loved listening to his stories about his childhood.
It is so lovely that he left a legacy to Saint Francis Hospice. I know how hard it is to get funding, and how expensive it is to provide the services. Michael knew from his experience how valuable support is when people are at their most vulnerable.
It is nice to know that what he worked hard for throughout his life to provide for himself, and Mary, is helping other people to receive the same wonderful care Mary received.
He would be chuffed to know we were sharing his story and that he could make a difference. He would have a lot of satisfaction from that.
