Compassion, Spring 2024

35 tcf.org.uk TCF NEWS | IN MEMORIAM Very sadly, Margaret died aged 90, from a short illness, on the 20th of November last year. She had lost her beloved son Stephen from a brain tumour on the 25th of January 1980, and set up the Newcastle TCF Support Group a few years later with the strong feeling that he was saying to her - ''Mother, let something good come of this''. She ran the group tirelessly for more than 30 years. Margaret was a 'one off', a 'force to be reckoned with', and being in her company was always pleasurable. She was wise, self-effacing and compassionate and had a wicked sense of humour when the situation was appropriate! She had a strong faith but never pushed it. Indeed she cherished every point of view, and everyone's different circumstances. She always seemed to know the right thing to say and the right way to say it. She didn't 'sugar-coat' things but always engendered hope in others. As well as holding monthly meetings and our Annual Candle-lighting Service 'Celebrating a Life', every summer she held a garden party to raise funds for TCF and for a local charity that provided a holiday for needy families in the area. The morning of one such garden party began with torrential rain but just before the party started the sun came out and shone radiantly all afternoon. Margaret explained that it was because she had had a few firm words with 'Him up there' about the weather! In 2012 one of our group suggested that we nominate Margaret for an honour. She received an MBE from the then Prince Charles. She was very proud of this, and her daughter has given us the MBE to attach to the Newcastle group memorial quilt. Margaret will be sorely missed by so many of us in the North East. Right up until her death she was still interested in everything that was going on in the world and in our TCF group. She had a remarkable brain and never forgot the name of any bereaved parent or their child. A truly inspirational lady! We will continue the group to honour you, Margaret. Remembering Margaret White Tribute by Jenny Ford