Elenid was my “Mam” when I wanted something; “Mum” when she wanted something and “Mother” when I ‘disapproved”! Regardless of how she was addressed, she was someone who taught me the true values of life, good from bad, right from wrong.


Mam was one of nine children born in Caio, deep in the Mid Welsh countryside. After completing school, she joined The Midland Bank. Imagine talking the train from rural Wales and arriving in the hubbub of Bristol, that took courage, something Mam had buckets of. After she completed her training she was posted to Tenby where she met and married my Dad, Malcom and in due course I arrived. Many happy years were spent together before she and I moved to Morriston, her final resting place. 

Family was very important to Mam and I have many fond memories of Bronfyn spending time with Mam, Mamgu and Dacu on the farm. 

In 2006 of new member joined the family, my wife Nikki. Unlike many “in-law” relationships, they got on extremely well, and in 2010 the family was completed by the arrival of my son, Josh. Josh and his “Mamgu” had a very special bond, a love of silly little quirky things like value brand onion rings and lottery scratch cards. I know Mam will be deeply missed by both of them and indeed the whole of Nikki’s family. One of my treasured memories is that of our family holiday to Florida and taking Mam and my mother-in-law, Mary, into the lazy river at a Disney water park! Mam thoroughly enjoyed getting soaked head to toe in water, quite an achievement for someone who couldn’t swim!!! She had real bravery and a proper sense of fun, especially when you consider she had only just completed her cancer treatment!

In recent years Mam and her sister Delyth became best friends and they helped each other through good times and bad and I know that they will now be together sharing a glass or more likely a bottle or two of wine and wishing us well. 

It is inevitable at times such as these that we are sad, but Mam genuinely believed in living for the day, always prepared to join in, first on the dancefloor, last to leave and highly supportive of everyone especially me. Mam wasn’t frivolous but was extremely generous with each friend and family member’s birthday noted down on her calendar. Not a year would go by without her reminding me of my own father’s birthday. 

Mam had wonderful neighbours, Barbara; Donna, Jessica & Steve; Wayne; Lynwen & Nikki; to name a few and I am indebted to them all for ‘just keeping an eye out’ and being there when needed. 

During Covid my cousin Karen looked after Mam’s shopping and helped her come to terms with her medication and needs, words cannot express how thankful I am to her.

Last Christmas was special, we all pulled out the stops, and made it a day to celebrate, despite feeling a little poorly Mam put on her new sparkly top, had a little turkey and polished off the profiteroles with a big smile on her face. My lasting memory.

Try not to be sad at Mam’s passing but let us each treasure our memories of a truly wonderful, loving, generous and kind lady.

Thank you. Diolch.

Alun