Mary ProwseWILLIAMSMary was born on the 16th of January 1929 to Samuel and Bertha Trewhella, in the Parish of Sennen where her parents rented a cottage. Good luck came to Mary's parents when they became 'live in' house keepers to a wealthy business woman who had purchased Sunnybank a four bed house on the main road on the edge of the village. This was particularly fortunate as Mary's father had been severely wounded in the First World War and had lost his right arm so was limited in the work he could undertake. Mary grew up having a very different childhood from the average Sennen child in a house with two bathrooms, a telephone, and trips to Penzance in a Chauffer driven Bentley, which was not unusual. Growing up in this upstairs downstairs world shaped Mary for the rest of her days. She was a stickler for routine; meals at the right time, curtains closed at dusk and what would the neighbours think!! Even in old age when given a piece of cake Mary would insist on using a knife to cut it before eating. As a teenager she would ride her bike to Treen to see her grandparents and walk her dog on the sands of Sennen beach, but when war broke out in 1939 all that changed. Whilst attending a dance at Madron Mary met a young soldier on leave called Leon Williams and on 12th September 1951 they married at Sennen Church. Her father decided a fresh start was needed, moving them all to a small-holding in Mabe and over the next few years Mary and Leon had two sons Barrie and David which made their family complete, The early death of Mary's father at seventy-one changed all this and the small holding had to be sold after which the family moved into a bungalow in the Village. Mary was kept busy looking after Leon and two teenage sons, as well as caring for her elderly mother. However she enjoyed cooking, baking her cakes, sponges and trifles which were well remembered, and also enjoyed knitting, suppling all the family with jumpers, scarfs and hats. On Leon's retirement he and Mary moved to a smaller bungalow during which time their first grandchild Lauren came along followed six years later by second grandchild Ryan, plenty of time spent with the children. Mary was always very content at home; getting her to go far was a challenge! Her independent ways and determination kept her going through old age and if she decided something was a certain way you were not going to change her mind. She will be fondly remembered. The family would like to thank all the friends & family who sent cards, or attended Mary's funeral and who gave donations to the St Johns Ambulance. Also thanks to Penryn & Falmouth Funeral Directors, Jeanette Holman (Funeral Orator) for their services on the day - and the friends who helped out at the Cornish Tea at the community hall after the service.
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