Mary Thomas (Veal) of Culverton, Wiseman’s Bridge, passed away suddenly on the 11th August 11, aged 89.

Mary was born into the Jones family, her father David George Edmund Jones left Wales and emigrated from Liverpool to Halifax Nova Scotia on 9th April 1927 and Harriet, Mary’s Mum, followed to Montreal Quebec on the 7th August 1927. The couple married 3 days later on the 10th August in the district of York, Toronto.

Mary Jones was born on the 18th August 1928 in the Women’s Hospital Toronto. Brother David was born in May 1930, and a few months later the family left for the return journey arriving in Liverpool on the 30th December 1930.

They all lived together in a 3 bedroom detached house in 50 Park Street, Lower Brynamman. Life in Brynamman was that of a strong chapel based welsh speaking community, employment in the area was with the coal board, and other small industries and businesses.

In 1939 Mary went to the Gwaun Secondary School with her friends Ray AND Myra. During this period the girls were joined in school with evacuees from the cities who were sent to the valley and given shelter by families in the Amman Valley.

In May 1949 Valerie, Mary AND David’s half sister was born into the family.

After finishing school Mary worked as a secretary in Llangennech.

Mary met Bill Veal in 1951 they married in 1952, Peter arrived in 1953 and Averil in 1955 and made their home at 16 Park Street, until Bill built their first family home in Bryn Road. Bill later set up a building business with Vivian Walters.

The family moved down to Saundersfoot in 1962, at 14 Ridgeway Close.

From a predominantly welsh speaking community the family experienced a significant contrast living in the English speaking Saundersfoot, as the house at Bryn Road – Dunroamin had the open cast mine close by compared to the seaside resort of Saundersfoot.

Later in life when both children had grown up Mary gained full time employment in Evans and MacDowell’s Jewellers in Saundersfoot, followed by a short employment time with Tenby House Jewellers.

When Averil secured her first teaching post in 1977 Mary took over her roll at Audrey Bull antiques enjoying 20 years of fun and laughter.

During her time there on a few occasions she showed great courage and confronted light fingered customers trying to leave the shop with stolen property in their bag.

Mary would lock the door and ask that they return the goods, which took some nerve.

She liked to meet up with her friends from FBM at lunchtime at the Bali Hi for a chat. She continued to work at Audrey Bull’s until her retirement.

David and Mary courted for several years and they married on 22nd October 1983, and made their home at Culverton, Wiseman’s Bridge.

They would have been celebrating their 35th anniversary this year during her 90th birthday year. Mary loved David dearly and she loved living at Culverton.

Mary and David frequently visited Rugby to stay with Peter, Sandy and her grandchildren Jonny and Katie, who both live in Canada now and made the journey home to be at her funeral.

They were also wonderful grandparents to Averil and Tony’s children, Georgina and Charles. Mary was very proud of all her grandchildren and their achievements. Her three Great Grand Sons Eddie, Harry and George gave her great joy and happiness and she loved her cwtches when they came to visit.

She was a loving Mother and throughout her long life she put her family first and foremost, Mary had wonderful innate qualities such as her dignity, integrity and stoicism, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life - reading, doing tapestries, completing crosswords with David, watching her favourite soap operas, listening to music and talk shows on the radio. She took great pride in her appearance and was always immaculately dressed.

Mary had a wonderful profound saying “getting old is not for cissies” which we fully understand, her failing health of late being much concern to her and us. She had a long, happy and healthy life but she will be sadly missed by all.

The funeral service was held on August 23 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Rev. Elwyn John conducted the service, where a large number of family and friends gathered to celebrate her life.

The music on entry was ‘The Rose’ by Trebor Edwards and on leaving ‘Softly as I leave you’ by Matt Monro.

Mary leaves to mourn husband David, son Peter Veal, daughter Averil Upham. Grand Children Jonny, Katie, Georgina and Charles. Great Grand Children Eddie, Harry and George.

Bearers were David and Darren Thomas, Charles Upham and Jonny Veal. . There were family flowers only but donations in lieu of flowers can be made to M.I.N.D. Pembrokeshire c/o E.C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth.