I guess that Irene was a first or second cousin or something like that but she was always Aunty Irene as far as I was concerned. I first met her when I was about 9 or so (~1970). We visited her mum, Aunty Annie, and stayed for a week or two at their place at Birley Edge in Sheffield. We had a wonderful time there with her mum although Aunty Irene herself was a very busy lady, tending to her and her husband’s horticultural business.

My mum kept in contact with Irene but we never saw her in person again until she came to stay with us in California in 2008. I regret the gap when we were out of touch because she was a wonderfully kind and easy going lady and we could have enjoyed much more of her company. She was quiet but had a great sense of humour and we spent a lot of time laughing. Anyway, we had a great time with her and although she was already 87, she was game to visit places and we showed her lots of attractions, including a lovely visit to a snow-bound Yosemite National Park. 

After that ice breaker (literally) I used to visit and stay at her home in Oughtibridge. She would put us all up without the blink of an eye; my mum, my daughter and my sister. Irene had done a wonderful job researching our family history and she took us to many old haunts of the 'Motts' in Sheffield, including where my dad was born (I hope that house is still standing).

Even after that we kept in touch regularly by email and I was always impressed by the way she could use her computer (putting me to shame really).

Getting used to the thought that she is longer around will be very difficult. I enjoyed so much the visits, the correspondence and I will miss her immensely.

Philip Sandra and Lily, MOTT