At every single stage in our lives Margaret was there for us. She was a mentor, a teacher, and a friend.

She was our first choice babysitter, who filled the evenings with fun and always allowed us to stay up a precious thirty extra minutes past bedtime – a pact of silence that we would never disclose as she was so anxious about getting in trouble with Mum and Dad. (Though she never let me forget that as a 4 year old I very solemnly tried to convince her that I didn't have to wash my face at weekends). Margaret joined us on family holidays; a very wet walking holiday in the Lake District looms large in the memory. She helped us pick our beloved cats - Willow, Teddy, and Tess - all rescued of course!

She spoiled us with trips to the theatre, and for many years drove across Shropshire to present us with individual copies of the latest Harry Potter book on each and every publication day. Such a generous act that became a ritual in itself. On every Christmas eve for two decades, she came to our home to help wrap stocking presents that she would not then stay to see unwrapped. But we could always tell the presents Margaret had wrapped - incredibly neat, precise folding sellotaped multiple times along every join. It would be easier to break into Fort Knox than unwrap a stocking present that Margaret had taken responsibility for.

We loved having her visit for our birthday dinners - and often for her own birthday dinners - and begged her to stay late every time. Though of course, she had to get home to feed the cats.

Margaret was a confidante, advisor and mentor as we grew up. She took teenage grumps and growing pains in her stride and was calm and patient with her advice. She was an unfailing proof-reader and sounding board for our essays and academic work – at school, sixth form, university, and beyond. She helped us hone our academic abilities, and instilled in us all a passion for history and social justice.

In recent years we enjoyed visiting her in Priorslee, talking about the latest political scandal, or the dwindling fortunes of Man United, and recently even the cat memes that she was starting to find and share on Whatsapp. She had such a sharp and knowing sense of humour that we enjoyed so much.

We have learnt so much from Margaret about how to approach life: with decency, kindness, generosity, and with the right balance of sincerity and fun. She was an ever-present and much loved fixture in our lives, and such a wonderful friend and person to know. Our adopted aunt, our other mum. We will miss her very very much.

Liam, Bryn, and Rhiannon