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Shirley Helen BLOCK

Shirley Helen BLOCK
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Female 1937 - 2000  (63 years)


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  • Name Shirley Helen BLOCK 
    Birth 11 Jan 1937  Mile End, Stepney, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Agency: Middlesex Hospital 
    Gender Female 
    Census 29 Sep 1939  Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    UK National Register 1939    		 UK National Register 1939
    7 {REDACTED ADDRESS}; Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England.
    1. Leah Bloch; Female; Born: 25 Apr 1904; Married; Unpaid domestic servant.
    2. Shirley H Bloch; Female; Born: 11 Jan 1937; Single; Under school age.
    Note Jun 1940 
    Shirley Block, June 1940    		 Shirley Block, June 1940
    Note Abt 1941  [1] 
    As a result of Henry Block's military service, Shirley did not know her father until she was 3 or 4 years old. 
    Residence Abt 1941  Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England Find all individuals with events at this location  [2] 
    Evacuated to Berkhampstead with mother Leah during WWII whilst father was away in service. Enjoyed this very much and liked Berkhampstead. Probably 39 Ellesmere Road 
    Note Abt 1942  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Taken in the rear garden. 
    Address:
    3 Avenue Mansions, Park Avenue  
    The Abrahams' women. circa 1942.    		 The Abrahams' women. circa 1942.
    L-R: Unknown adult, Bessie Abrahams, Henrietta Sarah Abrahams née Wells, Shirley Helen Thrale nee Block (at front holding her mother's hand), unknown child, Leah Block née Abrahams. Maybe the baby is one of Bessie's children, i.e. Patricia or Alan Lloyd?
    Residence 11 Sep 1942  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    3 Avenue Mansions, Park Avenue 
    Note Dec 1944 
    Army issue Christmas card sent to daughter Shirley (then aged 7) for Christmas 1944. 
    British Army Christmas card, 1944.    		 British Army Christmas card, 1944.
    Sent to by Henry Block to daughter Shirley (aged 7) for Christmas 1944.
    Education Between 1949 and 1954  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Dudden Hill County Secondary Girls’ School 
    Prize for general proficiency, 1950.    		 Prize for general proficiency, 1950.
    Awarded to Shirley Block. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
    Education Between 1954 and 1956  Hendon, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Hendon Technical College 
    Medical Brown eyes, brown hair. 5 foot 8 inches
    Blood group: A. Rhesus +ve. W.R.Kahn -ve 
    Note Was proficient in Pitmans shorthand.  [2] 
    Occupation Mar 1955 
    Shorthand typist, National Bank of India 
    Residence 11 Jan 1958  Kilburn, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    3 Christchurch Avenue 
    Residence Sep 1959  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    33 St Paul's Avenue 
    Note 2 Sep 1966 
    Shirley & Lindsay Block.    		 Shirley & Lindsay Block.
    A photograph of sisters on Lindsay Block's wedding day on 2 September 1966. Shirley is wearing a hat made by her father Henry Block.
    Occupation Between 1970 and 1972  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    School Secretary, Princess Frederica Infants School, College Road 
    Occupation Between 1972 and 1975  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    School Secretary, Chalkhill Primary School 
    Occupation Between 1975 and 1979  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Personal Assistant / secretary to Director of Housing Brent Council 
    Property Aft 6 Mar 1978  Kingsbury, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Address:
    96 Birchen Grove 
    Occupation Between May 1979 and 1 Nov 1985  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Housing Advisor 
    Occupation 1 Nov 1984  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Senior Housing Advisor 
    Occupation Between Dec 1985 and Apr 1989  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Senior Homeless Persons Officer 
    Occupation Between Apr 1989 and Dec 1994  Wembley, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Principal Homeless Persons Officer 
    Property Between Jun 1996 and Apr 2000  Mandeville, Manchester, Middlesex, Jamaica Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Lot 2 Hopetown Gardens, Dunrobin 
    Will 17 Apr 1998 
    Executors to will: David Henry Thrale (eldest child), Lindsay Cox (only sibling) 
    Death 27 Sep 2000  Kensington, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location  [3] 
    Agency: Pembridge Palliative Care Centre, St Charles' Hospital 
    • Died at 4 am whilst with sister Lindsay.
    Cremation 04 Oct 2000  Golders Green Crematorium, Golders Green, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Agency: Golders Green Crematorium 
    Address:
    62 Hoop Lane 
    • The service was conducted at the crematorium in front of around 200 people. It was a joint faith service, with Jewish prayers and readings by Rabbi Guy Hall and Christian prayers and readings by Pastor Burnett. Psalm 23 which is used in both traditions was recited.
    • Her eulogy which follows was written by son David and was delivered by another son Stacey.

      Firstly we would like to thank, Rabbi Hall and Pastor Burnett, for leading today's service. We would also like to thank all the kind people who have helped both Mum and her family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

      David and I would like to tell you about our mother Shirley ...

      Mum was born before the war in Willesden to a Jewish family. She had a younger sister Lindsay and an elder brother Rodney who died before Shirley was born.

      Mum could be rebellious and as a child, she once decided that she didn't like her bedroom because of a cracked window pane. Whilst her parents were out, she and Lindsay swapped furniture between the bedroom and the living room. Of course, when their parents returned home they were not at all happy so they had to change it back again.

      Shirley soon met our father Ken not far from here in a Golders Green dance hall. Soon after they first met Mum saw Dad from the top floor of her bus, so she jumped off and deliberately bumped into him pretending it was an accidental meeting but Dad never knew!

      Mum and Dad were well suited as they both liked Jazz clubs, dancing and smart clothes. They often spent many a romantic evening at the pictures, with Mum's 11-year-old sister Lindsay in tow who always insisted on sitting in the middle.

      When her parents decided to move to Dunstable, Mum rebelled and set up a flat with her friend Denise when she was 17. She travelled every weekend back to Dunstable, to enjoy the luxuries of their bath. Her kind-hearted parents would both give her money, saying, "Take this, don't tell your Dad" and "Take this, don't tell your Mum".

      Ken & Shirley married in 1959, a little while after she started working for the Bank of India and then Handley Page where she was secretary to Sir Handley Page himself. Mum gave up work after we were born,

      Once my brother and I had both reached school age, Mum started work again but only part-time so that she could spend as much time with us as possible.

      For a short while, Dad was out of work. Mum was very strong and made many sacrifices to steer our family through these difficult times. When the rent man called we remember hiding behind the sofa with Mum pretending to be out.

      Mum was school secretary at Princess Frederica Primary School and later at Chalkhill Primary School. This allowed her to be at home with us during the school holidays. We have many happy memories, of all day, swimming at Kingsbury open-air pool, Willesden Swimming pool, Butlins at Bognor Regis, holidays in Uncle Brian's drafty flat in Hove & Sunday afternoon trips to buy ice cream from our favourite shop in Childs Hill. Whilst at Chalkhill School Mum gave the headmaster Kenneth Rudge - a budding author - the idea for one of his children's books, a story about a teenager going to a big open-air music festival, just like the famous Reading Music Festival that Mum used to help to organise.

      For years Mum worked at the celebrated Marquee Club, London's version of the Cavern. When she started there it was a Soho Jazz club. As time changed this small venue became a rock club. Almost all the major bands played there, Thin Lizzy, The Who, Genesis, The Jam & many more. Mum also saw the birth of Punk, and later the likes of Tom Robinson and Adam Ant.

      When we were younger Mum took us to see our favourite band - Slade at the Marquee. Mum even got us into their dressing room. Our young impressionable minds were horrified as Mum took us down Wardour Street, taking time to say hello to the strip club's bouncers.

      Just like at home in Kingsbury, it seemed like everyone in Soho knew her. That was Mum, she liked good food, music and going out, but most of all she LOVED people.

      We often thought that our family was lucky to have so many good friends. It wasn't luck it was because of Mum. People saw her special kindness, friendship, good humour and her special zest for life. Mum would find time to talk to people. She put people at ease and let them know that they were important to her. We remember her many good deeds like putting up a friend of mine whose house had been damaged in a fire. Mum and Dad often told us "You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends".

      When we were older, Mum returned to full-time work as a Personal Assistant to Brent's Director of Housing. She eventually went on to become a Principal Homeless Persons Officer. This brought out the best in Mum, so many different people to mix with.

      Shirley and Ken had a long and happy marriage and made many close friends. We remember countless long and happy dinner parties held at our home. As they grew older together they enjoyed many happy foreign holidays. Sadly their marriage was cut short by Dad's sudden death in 1987, five weeks before their 28th Anniversary.

      In time Mum met Anton, whilst visiting a good friend in Jamaica. They were married in 1991, and have been together ever since. Mum had a few happy years of retirement living an easy & relaxed life in the Caribbean. Mum lived in Jamaica with Anton for about five years. She made many more good friends there.

      Mum dearly loved Anton She was also devoted to Anton's son, Shane and brought him up as her own. Despite the pain she suffered every day, she continued to look after Shane and helped him to settle into his new school. We can see all the good things that she taught us, in Shane. Shane will miss her terribly.

      In her last days, David had the pleasure of telling Mum that Michelle was pregnant. Mum was delighted to hear that her third grandchild was on the way and told everyone who visited her. David's good friend Lee then told her about his forthcoming marriage. Quick as a flash Mum quipped "About bloody time!" Even in her last few days, she made friends with nurses and cleaners at the hospital and told everyone that she was determined to "make this a short stay".

      We are all richer for having known Shirley. She has shown so many people that life isn't about money or things, or who you are. It is about family, people, friendship, and love.

      Shirley's epitaph is not in the words that I am now reading or those that will be placed on her plaque but is written in the hearts of the many many people who experienced her love, kindness and humour.

      I leave you with the words that Shirley used after both her sons were married off. These words are as appropriate now as they were then ...

      "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I am free at last".
    Memorial plaque for Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block    		 Memorial plaque for Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block
    Plot: Horder Garden H15
    Memorial plant for Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block    		 Memorial plant for Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block
    Plot: Horder Garden H15
    View of garden from memorial to Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block    		 View of garden from memorial to Kenneth David Thrale and Shirley Helen Thrale née Block
    Probate 8 Jan 2001 
    Person ID I370  UK Thrale family | Fairfolds and Hammonds Thrale branch, Marshalswick Thrale branch
    Last Modified 18 Nov 2024 

    Father Henry BLOCK,   b. 6 Jun 1905, Whitechapel, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 3 Sep 1989, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 84 years) 
    Mother Leah ABRAHAMS,   b. Between 24 Apr 1904 and 25 Apr 1904, Hoxton, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 5 Aug 1984, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 80 years) 
    Note 5 Jul 1927 
    Henry & Leah Block on 5 July 1927.    		 Henry & Leah Block on 5 July 1927.
    On an unknown British pebble beach.
    Marriage 2 Aug 1931  Great Synagogue, 262 Commercial Road, Stepney, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location  [1] 
    Henry Bloch and Leah Abrahams    		 Henry Bloch and Leah Abrahams
    Wedding day
    Wedding invitation    		 Wedding invitation
    Henry Block and Leah Abrahams
    Goides Restaurant    		 Goides Restaurant
    54 High Street Whitechapel, London E1
    Wedding breakfast invitation    		 Wedding breakfast invitation
    Note abt. 1945 
    Shirley Block and her mother Leah Block née Abrahams. circa 1945.    		 Shirley Block and her mother Leah Block née Abrahams. circa 1945.
    Family ID F182  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 1 Kenneth David THRALE,   b. 28 Aug 1928, West Hampstead, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 31 Jul 1987, Kingsbury, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 58 years) 
    Marriage 04 Sep 1959  Willesden, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location  [4] 
    Agency: Registry Office 
    Address:
    249 Willesden Lane 
    Ken and Shirley Thrale's wedding day    		 Ken and Shirley Thrale's wedding day
    Residence Between 04 Sep 1959 and 5 Mar 1978  Kingsbury, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Address:
    29a Doreen Avenue 
    Note ABT. 1962 
    Kenneth & Shirley Thrale. c.1962    		 Kenneth & Shirley Thrale. c.1962
    Note 29 Jun 1964 
    Wedding of friends Katie & Les. 
    Kenneth Thrale, Shirley Thrale and son David Henry Thrale, 29 June 1964.    		 Kenneth Thrale, Shirley Thrale and son David Henry Thrale, 29 June 1964.
    On the occasion of their friends Katie and Les's wedding.
    Residence Aft 6 Mar 1978  Kingsbury, Middlesex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Address:
    96 Birchen Grove 
    Children 
    +1. David Henry THRALE
     2. Stacey Donald THRALE
    Family ID F94  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 13 Oct 2024 

    Family 2 Fitzroy Anthony DOUGLAS 
    Family ID F181  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 13 Feb 2004 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - Agency: Middlesex Hospital - 11 Jan 1937 - Mile End, Stepney, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCensus - 29 Sep 1939 - Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Evacuated to Berkhampstead with mother Leah during WWII whilst father was away in service. Enjoyed this very much and liked Berkhampstead. Probably 39 Ellesmere Road - Abt 1941 - Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsNote - Taken in the rear garden.,Address:
    3 Avenue Mansions, Park Avenue - Abt 1942 - Willesden, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 3 Avenue Mansions, Park Avenue - 11 Sep 1942 - Willesden, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEducation - Dudden Hill County Secondary Girls’ School - Between 1949 and 1954 - Willesden, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsEducation - Hendon Technical College - Between 1954 and 1956 - Hendon, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 3 Christchurch Avenue - 11 Jan 1958 - Kilburn, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 33 St Paul's Avenue - Sep 1959 - Willesden, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - Agency: Registry Office,Address:
    249 Willesden Lane - 04 Sep 1959 - Willesden, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Address:
    29a Doreen Avenue - Between 04 Sep 1959 and 5 Mar 1978 - Kingsbury, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - School Secretary, Princess Frederica Infants School, College Road - Between 1970 and 1972 - Willesden, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - School Secretary, Chalkhill Primary School - Between 1972 and 1975 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Personal Assistant / secretary to Director of Housing Brent Council - Between 1975 and 1979 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsProperty - Address:
    96 Birchen Grove - Aft 6 Mar 1978 - Kingsbury, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Address:
    96 Birchen Grove - Aft 6 Mar 1978 - Kingsbury, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Housing Advisor - Between May 1979 and 1 Nov 1985 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Senior Housing Advisor - 1 Nov 1984 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Senior Homeless Persons Officer - Between Dec 1985 and Apr 1989 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Principal Homeless Persons Officer - Between Apr 1989 and Dec 1994 - Wembley, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsProperty - Lot 2 Hopetown Gardens, Dunrobin - Between Jun 1996 and Apr 2000 - Mandeville, Manchester, Middlesex, Jamaica Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - Agency: Pembridge Palliative Care Centre, St Charles' Hospital - 27 Sep 2000 - Kensington, Middlesex, England Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsCremation - Agency: Golders Green Crematorium,Address:
    62 Hoop Lane - 04 Oct 2000 - Golders Green Crematorium, Golders Green, Middlesex, England    		 Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Sources 
    1. [S47] Lindsay Block.

    2. [S11] David H Thrale.

    3. [S18] GRO index (UK), Entry number: 266; District number: 2391C; Register number: C11C.

    4. [S18] GRO index (UK), Willesden Sep 1959 5f 797.


 

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