OBITUARY OF ELIZABETH MARY TOOMEY, nee WATSON

Mary, as she was known to everyone, was born on 22nd January 1938 in Hampstead, London.  Her parents had their origins in Scotland; her father being involved in shipbuilding and engineering.  During WWII Mary spent much of her time at her uncle and aunt’s farm on Exmoor, a place she loved more than anywhere else, and where she returned to frequently with her family.

She was a mischievous child, according to her family, and managed to get herself expelled from two schools for flouting the rules.  This makes her choice of a career in the WRNS slightly surprising, but she loved every minute.  She joined Warspite 99 in 1956 as a Writer G, and, after training, she went to Chatham as an RM Wren.  Whilst there, her CO noticed her dedication to her work and recommended her for promotion, which she achieved.  She was serving as 3/O A/Sec at HMS Excellent when she met Brian, her future husband, who was on a ground tour from the Fleet Air Arm as Air Weapons Instructor where he flew Buccaneers.  They were married in 1960, at the Church of the Assumption in London; a marriage which lasted 65 precious years until her death.

When Brian left the Royal Navy, he joined Courtaulds, and they travelled widely, spending time in India, Northern Ireland, and several places in the UK.  They had three sons, Richard, James and Charles, who in turn produced eight grandchildren.  Following a family incident, Mary decided to train as a VAD in case of any other emergencies.  One incident which did not require medical attention, related by her son James at her funeral, was an occasion when she faced up to an IRA roadblock, refusing to turn around as she had to get her sons to school and she did not want to be late for her hair appointment.

On retirement, they settled in Somerset, firstly in Spaxton, and later in Taunton.  She was a JP, during which time she was remembered as someone who dispensed justice with compassion and a great deal of common sense.  She was an enthusiastic member of St George’s Church, and an active supporter of Open Door and other Homeless charities.  She was a brilliant flower arranger, a wonderful hostess and baker, and a generous friend.

Above all, Mary was a keen member of the Association of Wrens, Taunton Informal branch.  Until her health faltered, she attended meetings and meals out with us.  She had a wonderful sense of humour.  One event illustrates her character.  It was a special dinner for one member, on a wet and windy night.  Another member picked Mary up and parked very close to the restaurant, but as Mary got out of the car, the hat, which she had sensibly placed on her lovely hairdo, blew off and bowled away down and across the road, with Mary in hot pursuit.  She gained control, and plonked the offending hat back on her head, entering the restaurant as if nothing had happened, but giggling like a schoolgirl.

All the members of Taunton AoW will miss her sense of fun and zest for life very much.  Three members were able to attend her funeral ON 6th February 2026, which was a beautiful and moving occasion.

This is sent on behalf of all the Taunton members of the Association of Wrens, who are much saddened by the loss of their friend.