My Bees Wings Princess
Who would’ve thought that walking into a bank in June 1998 would change my life forever? That day, I not only met the love of my life, but also the woman who would go on to save it.
She had eyelashes that flickered like bees’ wings, and from the very beginning, there was something magical about her. Within six months, we were inseparable. I’d moved in, and within a year, we’d bought our first home together up on Speedwell Drive—much to her mother’s dismay. But Maz had a gift for knowing what came next.
After three years in that house, she already had a sense that we needed a change. Just before a planned trip to either Tenerife or Lanzarote—I honestly can’t quite remember—we heard about a bungalow on Station Road. I said to her, “Go knock on the door, have a look inside, see what you think.” Fifteen minutes later, she came out with tears in her eyes and said, “This is the one.” I looked at her and said, “If it’s what you want, we’ll have it.”
We went away on our holiday, and when we returned, we put the wheels in motion to buy 109 Station Road. The first time I actually set foot inside that bungalow was the day we picked up the keys. I trusted her that much.
Together, we built a life full of adventure. Holidays with Jeremy and Emily took us to Greece and Tenerife. Neil and Julie was one to remember. All your trips to Canada to see James and Rob not to forget all the vineyards that you visited.
Then came ten wonderful years in Chiclana—driving down with the trailer, Storm, and the quad bike. Mum and Dad joined us the first year, then Suzanne, Mum, Charlie, and Ruby came along in the years that followed. Each year, a different villa, always the same warmth and laughter.
Our next chapter was the motorhome. Wild camping through Portugal and Spain, trailer in tow, finding beaches with no one on them. We explored Croatia and the Isles of Mull in Scotland. Not forgetting the trips with Pete and Marion. As time passed, the motorhome became too much—especially for Maz—so it was time to let it go.
And then we discovered cruising. From Southampton to the Mediterranean, chasing the sun together. It was a beautiful holiday. That sunshine eventually led us north—above the Arctic Circle, where we experienced -35 degrees and the magic of snow-covered silence. As it turns out, that may have been our last big journey.
Now, we find ourselves on a path neither of us expected or wanted. But even now, we still laugh—thinking of Maz’s mum sitting side-saddle on my quad bike in Spain as we rode to the pub, or remembering our shared love of windmills, discovered in Portugal.
As we all come to terms with what has happened, I find comfort in believing that you’re not truly gone—just in the next room. And with a blink of an eye, I’ll be with you again, My love.
All my love,
To my bees wings princess.
Andy Bell
I feel lucky to have known you and been part of your family. We will miss you dearly but we promise to keep your memory alive with Charlie & Ruby xxx
Julie Lawrence
A beautiful lady taken too soon by this cruel disease. We’re sure the family will continue to shine bright with the love and kindness you shared Maz and make you truly proud as you look down on them.
Katie & Rob Dawkins
Katie Dawkins
Life will never be the same without you Marilyn… my second Mum. 27 years you have been there to support dad, Jeremy & I through the rough and the good. You became my friend, i could tell you anything without fearing judgement. Just honesty, love and a little nudge in the right direction. We talked, cried and laughed about everything. A true confident. I will miss our inside jokes, the rolls of our eyes and the tuts behind dad’s back. Making the Christmas stuffing will never be the same, but I think the thing I will miss most is the unlimited love you had for Harry, Reeva-Jean, Arya & Arabella. The shouts of grandma/granny were never too much for you. Whether it was pushing them on the swings, dancing in the kitchen or rolling around the floor doing jigsaw puzzles. You left an imprint on all of us. You taught me the essence of patience. Your patience was second to none and no one has more than you did. Suzanne said after you passed that she wished she had more of you in her, she may have not been able to see it at the time but I see a huge amount of you in all of us. I have so many happy and warming memories because of you. The fish we’ve saved, the mice we’ve let go (don’t tell dad) & the birds we’ve fed all memories that will stay in my heart for ever. You fought with so much grace and dignity even when you thought you didn’t. It has been an honour to become your daughter and I will cherish it always. You encouraged me everyday to be stronger, happier and to have fun. I will be forever thankful to you for showing me that loving is a choice and I couldn’t be more thankful for the love and laughter you brought to my dad. So many laughs you both had. I will love you forever and miss you until we meet again. Love always, Emily AKA midge (according to dad)
Emily Bell
I will treasure you in my heart forever and always Grandma, I would do anything to have you right by my side again. I miss you every second of the day and will carry on doing so for the rest of time!
I love you to the moon and back
Ruby x
Ruby Galley
Such a cruel disease that took a life too soon of a very beautiful lady who was clearly loved by all of her family & friends. Thoughts are with Suze and family xxx
James & Zoe Newcombe
My beautiful aunty, always smiling and such fun to be around. Have so many happy memories to cherish. Rest in peace aunty Maz x
Karen Jackson
My lovely Aunty. Always stylishly dressed, with painted nails and a ready smile. You are dearly missed. X
Amanda Goodey
Wonderful memories of my dearest friend Marilyn. I will miss you but you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace. All my love, Jackie. (Australia)
Jacqueline Wickham
Loving thoughts of my cousin Marilyn, my childhood friend and a beautiful lady. You will be greatly missed by family and friends. All my love Stephanie xxx
Stephanie Whelband
To my beautiful Mum,
Words can't express the loss I feel. I will love and miss you for eternity.
All of my good qualities come solely from you.
Forever Love,
Suzanne
Suzanne Galley-Petch
So very sad we are unable to be with you all to celebrate Marilyn’s life. Such a beautiful, caring friend who we will miss very much
Bev and Barrie Sabin
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