Jim and I met Derek's mom, Nin, in the 70's and we were immediately charmed by her infectious smile and vivacity. We had recently been to London for the first time and loved the city so meeting a real live Londoner was quite something for us! She had a tremendous spirit and sense of fun and we loved her.
She took up French and had Monique as her French teacher and of course they were kindred spirits...packs of dynamite in tiny packages!
I interviewed Nin when I had this idea of doing video life stories and she was a wonderful subject. I loved hearing her talk about her experiences in the Blitz and later her early life in Canada as a war bride. From one of the biggest cities in the world to a small town in the boonies, small children, and a husband, Andy, who went back to complete his university.
Quite the times but I can imagine her smiling through it all and recently she told Monique she would be leaving this life with a smile on her face.
NIn, this is how we'll all remember you, singing and dancing, and we will miss you.
