The family of Myra Reavley have been mourning the passing of the popular Spennymoor stalwart, who died last month, on 15 February, aged 102 years.
Her family kindly provided the following account of Myra’s life which formed part of the eulogy at her recent funeral:
Myra was the youngest of three children. Her sister Edna and brother Clive were born 1908 and 1909, so much older than Myra, who was born in Barnard Castle in 1921, but moved to Spennymoor at just two years old.
According to Myra, she was, after a short spell in York working as a Nanny, destined for one of the family fish shops, hence an urgency to sign up for the ATS, the Auxiliary Territorial Service, in 1941 where she was until 1946.
Her three stripes as a Sargent were imminent had the war continued.
She was in the Accounts Dept which led to her long career until aged 65 working for Tommy Adam’s, accountancy firm.
Myra was a social butterfly, meaning socially dynamic, charismatic, friendly, gregarious, easy going in people’s eyes, which her more reserved husband soon found out.
Despite this, they got on admirably, having a very happy marriage, with Myra being instrumental in guiding their successful, happy lives.
Her late husband, Billy, in his own right, became a fearsome bowler for Spennymoor cricket team, and Myra and her friend Noreen naturally made the best cricket teas.
Myra, who loved to dance, had a word for everyone and anyone without a partner at Allen and Sheila’s Thursday afternoon tea dance was soon on the dance floor with her assistance.
Billy was a lucky, or perhaps a clever man, marrying Myra.
As was Arthur, whom Myra had known from schooldays. Following Billy’s death in 1994, they formed a partnership in dancing, managing at times five dances a week.
Holidaying frequently in the UK, with Arthur becoming one of our family, they enjoyed over twenty happy years together.
Myra’s aim in life was to enjoy every moment. She wanted to be out and see the world and everything in it.
Had she been born into a later generation, the family are sure she would have made the most out of “gap years”.
Her skills were endless, all done with kindness, a smile and a helping hand.
Her baking skills, in later years gained momentum as Mam’s home became the “place to be”, particularly for her cheese scones.
Myra was never angry, never shouted, was always calm, always happy, always kind and inspirational.
All her paperwork was immaculate, her bank statements rounded to the last penny.
She used to save all the loose change out of Bill’s pay packet and use it to pay for the week’s summer holiday.
Playing cards had always been a favourite in her family, which continued throughout her life, forming card evenings for friends and teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren how to have fun, showing them life skills.
Myra loved to entertain, with the parties sure to go down in history. The royal family masks came out and it was time for the fun to begin.
She visited all housebound friends or those in places of care, not out of duty but because she cared.
She attended church all her life and took on the role of a good Christian with ease and perfection.
Billy would not fly, however, Myra was willing as ever, to take holidays abroad in later life, including a long held dream to visit Moscow and St Petersburg which she did aged 93, with her daughter Jennifer.
Prague, Budapest and Vienna was to be her last flying trip at the age of 97.
Her last holiday was in Scotland, which she loved, at Coldingham Bay near St Abbs Head, with the family, a fitting place of outstanding beauty for an outstanding and beautiful lady.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
