Tributes to ‘much-loved’ Lewes great grandmother

Marie Hayward sadly died on September 18, at the age of 93.

In a tribute, her family said: “She was a much-loved wife, mother, auntie, grandmother and great grandmother.

“Marie throughout her life always had time for not only her family but cared for many others less fortunate.

“She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.”

Marie was born in Bermondsey, London, and went to school at Dock Head RC School until she was evacuated to Lewes at the age of twelve lodging in Hill Road with her friend, Eileen.

She continued her education at St Pancras RC School, half of the day with the local children and knitting socks for the troops in the other half.

After school she trained as a bookbinder at the Lewes Press in Friars Walk, where she met and subsequently married Frank Hayward Alderman, a previous councillor and mayor of Lewes, in September 1949.

As a married couple they lived in Cleve Terrace with her parents and after the birth of their first son, Richard, moved to Paddock Road.

Following the birth of Anne, she moved to Valence Road, where Robert and Mark were born. She remained living there for 58 years until she moved to Warren Drive.

When Mark started school at St Pancras RC school Marie took on the role as TA and is fondly remembered by many former pupils and staff.

Marie will also be remembered by many for helping with after school clubs, such as the cycling proficiency training and testing scheme, Marie was also ambassador and an avid supporter of the school football club.

Local schools competed in a yearly tournament to win the Hayward Shield named after her late husband.

She maintained her TA role until she retired.

Throughout the years, she supported Frank in his duties as councillor including the role as Lady Mayoress in 1974.

Marie played an active role in the Catholic Women’s League culminating as Chairwoman.

Marie survived her siblings Vincent, Cornelius, Henry, Desmond, John, Anthony, Albert, Francis, Margaret, and an unnamed boy.

Her four children are four of thirty-two grandchildren to her parents Alice and Vincent, she cared daily for Vincent until his death in 1979.

At the age of 60, after Frank died in 1987 Marie learnt to drive and passed her test on the first occasion. This enabled her to remain very active. She was always helping friends, family and at the church with her friend and sister in law Peggy Donovan.

Marie was an active water colour painter, something she followed avidly at the Chidingly WI with her good friends.

She was also a very creative needle worker and crafter making many beautiful pieces which will be greatly treasured by many in years to come.

On arrival at your house she would always ask “do you have any mending for me?” This sums up the type of person she was, always helping out always “mending”.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the funeral is for close family only but she will be making her final journey via Cliffe High Street and onward through the town to St Pancras RC Church between 5-5.30pm on Thursday 1st October.

Family flowers only but donations in her memory to Stroke Association via Grace Funeral Directors, Ringmer.