The obituary notice of Rosemary MERRIN

Rosemary always left you with a feeling of kindness and gentleness.

For Grandma,

I will always remember Grandma for her loving kindness, her compassion and storytelling. Some
of my most treasured moments with Grandma occurred when we were discussing her Christian
faith. As she always used to tell me, “your faith is your greatest treasure. Don’t lose your faith.”
And once, during a difficult period of my life, when I began question to my faith, I found myself
discussing with Grandma the reasons for having any faith at all, and she explained to me in a
very calm and enduring way that our reason to believe rests in the simple fact that God loves us.
I think, for me at least, the beauty of Grandma lies in her simplicity, her willingness to trust in
God, and her steadfastness, putting Jesus, and therefore love, at the very centre of her life.
Indeed, there were many times when Grandma discussed her faith, as she told us tales of
her travels with Grampsi to various sacred places such as Lourdes and Medugorje, and her trips
to Uganda to meet Cardinal Nsubuga and Bishop Adrian Dedungo. There were many miraculous
moments throughout this time, and many stories that would likely fill a book. I think that
Grandma’s stories will endure throughout the ages, but we must always keep her memory, like
her faith, alive. We will all miss Grandma, and it is really quite a difficult situation for everyone
at this time. However, it is important to think about the simple fact that Grandma is in a better
place now, and she will always be watching over us, and sending us little roses along the way.

Beni Beattie

“Rosemary” grew up with her mother Rose Cheshire and her sister Helen and brother Chris first in Blackburn and then in Widnes. During the war years she looked after mentally challenged children in Prestatyn, Wales. Whilst there she met the love of her life, a dashing Commando, Richard Merrin. After obtaining approval from the Mother Superior, where she was going to enter the novitiate, she married Richard on March 13th, 1943. Subsequent married life was spent in Hazel Grove, Manchester, Stretford, Timperley and Chorlton. Rosemary was always a staunch “Northerner”.

Rosemary had a simple Christian faith which saw her being involved for many years in the various Catholic churches and church communities where she lived. Rosemary loved making people feel welcome, always having the kettle on and always sitting down for conversation. Many a priest, nun and lay person in need of help were welcomed into her home and no judgement was ever given. She was considered a leader in the Charismatic Renewal movement within the Catholic Church. She had a great love of St Teresa of Liseaux and many an inexplicable rose was sent to her.

Her three children, Richard, Rosemary and Josephine were the joy of her life. When her beloved Richard died in 1998 she continued to enjoy many trips to London, to France and to Canada to see them and to spend time with their children and friends. Rosemary spent most of her latter years in Chorlton at Ryland House. The family is forever grateful to Thea Daleman who selflessly gave Rosemary so much loving care whilst at Ryland. 2018 saw a move, to be nearer family, to extended care at Nazareth House in Hammersmith. The family would like to thank with great gratitude the staff of the Third Floor, under the compassionate, diligent leadership of Florence Ogunyoye. The staff gave loving care to Rosemary during this time.
May she rest in great peace.
A Mum, a Grandma and great Grandma, so well loved.

April 2, 2020 For Grandma:
During this challenging time in our world, I have been finding hope and comfort in memories of Grandma. I have thought a lot about her faith and prayers to St. Therese, “The Little Flower”, to send a rose - to let us know things would be okay.
I remember Grandma being so kind and loving. We truly looked forward to her visits with Grampsie. At night, she would sing to us (songs like ‘Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra’ that I now sing to my kids) and I remember the comfort of always being able to go cuddle up next to her. Grandma would always open up her suitcase and give us some British sweets. She would secretly slip us a bit of money. I fondly remember her ironing, her home-made chips, her cups of tea, her pink nail polish, her beautiful hair, her soft skin, and her wonderful laugh and smile. I remember her always being there for me.
When Grandma was around, I felt an overall sense of calm, just knowing she was there. I also remember how much she loved Grampsie, and how she couldn’t wait to be with him again. I feel peaceful when I imagine her with him right now. Grandma always prayed for me to find the love of my life, and I truly believe she helped me meet my husband - I am so grateful he had the chance to meet her. I wore her shoes on my wedding day, and my daughter’s middle name is Rose. Grandma will always be in our thoughts. When I think about Grandma, a sentence about St. Therese comes to mind: “Her ‘Little Way’ teaches us to do the ordinary things of life with extraordinary love.” She seemed to do everything (even the littlest things, like ironing) with extraordinary love, and she was so kind to everyone. I will miss her with all my heart, and I will always keep her love and kindness in my heart to carry forward.
~ Love Lizzie

It’s all I have to bring today –
This, and my heart beside –
This, and my heart, and all the fields –
And all the meadows wide –
Be sure you count – should I forget
Some one the sum could tell –
This, and my heart, and all the Bees
Which in the Clover dwell.

My Grandma embodied everything that was good in this world, and brought it with her each day. Whole love. Infused with divinity. 

She had a habit of rotating her foot slowly but meditatively. It made me feel calm me and reminded me where I come from. She believed in me and made me feel extraordinary. I have a silver rose that swings open with our lady in the middle that hangs from a bracelet I've had since I was little. It always makes me feel safe, her prayers were incredibly comforting. I never really fully appreciated the statues and the medallions I’d been given until later in my adult life. When I hold them it makes me feel close to her. I remember the beautiful airmail letters, the sweets, the chips, the love she brought...since I can remember she always stroked my hair which made everything feel less big and less frightening. Her laugh and sense of humour and humility and patience and storytelling, and readiness for a glass of wine or a cup of tea...my grandmother was so many amazing and wonderful things to so many people. We will miss her so much.

You will be in my heart and my thoughts and in every single rose. 

Love always, JoJo

Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship, from Sue H.