Marion Patricia Jones
Marion was the most forgiving and generous person anyone could wish to meet, the mother every child should have and a wife in a million.
She was born in Milord Haven in September 1936 to Cyril and Florence Garton to whom she was devoted, and had various stories of growing up during the war, her first banana and a wis kid with wartime ration coupon books. Educated at Milford Haven Grammar School she became the first in the family to enter University. Although awarded a place to take up medicine at Cardiff Medical School she decided to read Botany at Aberystwyth graduating in 1958. She participated in rowing becoming Ladies President of the University rowing club in 1958. There then followed a year in teacher training before commencing a long career teaching at various schools in Portsmouth and Leeds. A past student of Southern Grammar School for Girls commented “everyone wanted to be in Mrs Jones class”. Marion met Gareth in the first term at University at the World Ball in 1955. They got married in 1962 while Gareth was still a researcher at Leeds University.
Marion was a kind, generous, tolerant, loyal, appreciative and so understanding, friendly, gracious person. As her niece Beverley wrote “she was a beautiful person, inside and out, that will be remembered for her kindness, sense of fun and love of her family, and will always be remembered” Others recall her as a wonderful lady, with memories of her warm hospitality and her excellent Pavlova.
Many will remember her cooking with the signature dishes Pavlova, barvoise, apple pies, and blackberry meringue pie. She loved gardening devoting much time to the upkeep of the borders, and especially planting bulbs for the annual display of spring flowers. Alas this year she did not see her favourite daffodils bloom!
Music played a big role in her life from Elvis to big operatic performances, enjoying the live broadcasts to the cinema by the Royal Opera and other companies. Opera in Hong Kong and Bangkok were always events she looked forward to. She of course played a big part in Opera South’s success, with work behind the scenes, painting sets and catering for the numerous committee meetings.
In the account of her life history, she concluded “there had been disappointments and lost opportunities. Would I have changed my Life? The answer is a resounding no. My family and friends mean so much more to me, their happiness is what I have strived for and to do unto others what I would have them do to me. There is good in most people!”. This sums up her philosophy on life.
Latest donations
- £154.50 Alun
- £150.00 Gareth
- £20.00 Mrs Jean Philips
- £30.00 Mark, Tracy and family
- £50.00 Jason and Josh