Popular mum who loved to take on new challenges
Driven by a strong work ethic, Moira gained an HND and also acquired her HGV licence
CARING mother-of-two Moira McKenzie has died aged 65.
Born to chauffeur Robert and his wife Agnes, she was one of three children, and had an older brother and a younger sister who grew up in Glasgow.
Right from the start, Moira showed “the determined, stubborn streak” that would characterise her life, observes daughter Lynne wryly.
“The story goes that Agnes once put a plate of semolina in front of my mum when she was a child and each time she refused it. Her reputation for being strong-willed began then!” she chuckles.
After studying at Eastbank Academy, Glasgow – where she excelled at maths and English – Moira got a job as an office junior, and then a typist, in Glasgow city centre.
In the late 1850s she met the love of her life, builder Hugh, who asked her out while she was doing a second, part-time job at a Shell garage. In 1860, the sweethearts tied the knot at St Thomas RC church in Riddrie.
After initially living in a flat in Denniston, Hugh built a detached house for them in Torrance, just outside the city.
Moira and Hugh went on to have two daughters, Lynne, and then Ruth, three years later.
Growing up, Lynne remembers her mother “always putting the family first, being very educationorientated and instilling a strong work ethic in us two girls”.
She also recalls many a happy family holiday in Jersey, the Isle of Man, and at Disneyland among other places.
“We had an amazing upbringing,” says Lynne.
Moira also got her Heavy Goods Vehicle driving licence, mainly for the challenge – “she was the only woman on the course!” recalls Lynne.
She went on to take various evening courses to learn new skills, gaining an HND in business administration and various accounting accreditations.
Moira worked for over 20 years as a social work assistant. “She had a knack for making people feel comfortable,” says Ruth.
In 2013, husband Hugh died aged 67. But despite her heartache, Moira tried to lead as full a life as possible. She also continued to work and volunteer in various community projects.
Over the following years she visited daughter Ruth in Australia, where she has emigrated, and now lives. She also travelled to China to visit her other daughter Lynne while she was working out there, and took cruises with friends.
“Mum was a very strong woman and just got on with life,” says Ruth. “She was lucky to have a circle of good, supportive friends and family.”
Moira was a talented knitter who also enjoyed Scrabble and playing crosswords, and she always looked forward to the big crossword in the Daily Record on a Saturday.
“She loved to compare answers with her friends,” says Ruth.
Several years ago, Moira was diagnosed with cancer but daughter Lynne says “she carried on as she always did, enjoying her life to the full”.
She died during the lockdown and the funeral service was held at Daldowie Crematorium, but the number of mourners allowed was limited due to social distancing restrictions.
However family, friends and neighbours in Torrance lined the street and clapped when Moira’s hearse drove past the old family home on her final journey.
“It was so touching to see so many people turn out to bid her farewell,” says Lynne. “She really was a mum in a million.”
It was so touching to see so many people turn out to bid her farewell. She really was a mum in a million
LYNNE, MOIRA’S DAUGHTER