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Aileen Garden

June 7, 1945 - December 25, 2020

The administrator of this page is Graham Gordon

Aileen was a much loved wife, mum, grandma, sister, aunt, friend, counsellor, church member, community and social activist and much more. She was a strong Christian, motivated by her faith, passionate about all that she did and fiercely committed to everyone she met and to making the world a better place. We will all miss her dearly.

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Holy Trinity Tulse Hill(1)Durham and the North East(1)Brixton and London life(0)Family(1)School and University(0)Friends(1)

  • 2021-01-19 13:02:52 View / Comment (0)
    Nick Buxton

    Nick Buxton

    Nick Buxton

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    The first time I met Aileen was in the winter of 1992, on my very first visit to Durham. Sarah had invited me over for dinner. I had to shed various winter layers in their hallway, my cheeks still glowing from the sharp cold air, before descending down the warm kitchen below. I remember Aileen as having a certain fierceness combined with a deep show of warmth and hospitality to me. After initial trepidation, I quickly felt at home. I remember lively conversations, the lovely vegetarian food she had put together, all the while admiring her house full of beautiful ‘fair trade’ art. I soon realised that the fierceness I had seen was Aileen’s sharp mind and her passionate commitment to her faith and values that she sought to live out every day. They are values that she instilled in her children, my closest friends. And they are values and a faith that I share too. She showed so clearly that faith needs to be lived out in action, and that it is both personal and structural. That building God’s kingdom involves our relationships with people in our community but also involves changing the structures that perpetuate poverty and exclusion. I was inspired by all the work she did to promote fair trade for many years. Ever since that first visit to Durham, I always enjoyed visiting Aileen and Adrian, usually with one of her children. The Garden Gordons became like a family away from home. I knew that I would be warmly welcomed in and that we would have plenty to talk about. The last time we exchanged was on Facebook where we had a brief exchange on the Labour Party. It was a conversation I expected to continue in person when I next saw her. I am sad that will never now happen but am deeply grateful for the way she shaped and influenced so many, especially Graham, Martin, Sarah, Paul and Adrian. If I was in the UK and it wasn’t a pandemic, I would have very much wanted to attend her funeral, but am glad I can join it virtually. Sending you all my love, Nick

  • 2021-01-10 01:12:14 View / Comment (2)
    Pamela Wyborn

    Pamela Wyborn

    Pamela Wyborn

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    When I think of Aileen, like most people I remember her unfailing kindness, her generosity in so many ways, her wonderful cooking, her love of books, her joy in plants and flowers - especially in her own garden - her favourite colours in the mauve/lilac spectrum, her sense of humour, her reliability, her organisational skills, and her willingness to share her knowledge and talents wherever they could be useful - the list is endless!! But the thing I shall remember forever about Aileen is how bravely and uncomplainingly she coped with the awful cancer which could have laid her so low. Instead she continued, as far as possible, to do the things she loved - gardening, walking, keeping in contact with family and friends, even when she became very ill indeed. Her amazing, indomitable spirit shone through those last months and weeks - she simply refused to give up, and that’s the overriding memory I will always have of her. Aileen The Indomitable!! But now, Aileen, rest in perfect peace. With much love, Pam

    • 2021-01-19 20:55:32 wrote:

    I remember with great fondness the warmth and generosity of Aileen and Adrian's hospitality in their beautiful Avenue home. Whether or not I was in the company of Sarah, Graham or Martin. We had many an evening of fun, laughter but serious debate too. And also your generosity in letting me join in your Sunday coffee tradition of coffee at the Almshouses. I always think of Aileen when I pass St Nick's and Gateway Crafts in particular. That treasure trove that introduced fairtrade to Durham well before it could be considered mainstream. I still have a beautiful Mexican vase and now that too will make me think of Aileen. I haven't seen you much since your move to London but from what I hear from Sarah and is clear from these messages is that you built a similar life and community there, and Aileen continued to make a difference through her charity work. I've been thinking of you all since Aileen was in hospital and especially today. I hope that in addition to your faith there is some comfort to be found in the end of the pain and suffering of such a gruelling illness, and in a life lived so well. I hope too you find comfort in the company of others who love and miss her too. Much love to you all.

    2021-01-19 20:55:32 wrote: I remember with great fondness the warmth and generosity of Aileen and Adrian's hospitality in their beautiful Avenue home. Whether or not I was in the company of Sarah, Graham or Martin. We had many an evening of fun, laughter but serious debate too. And also your generosity in letting me join in your Sunday coffee tradition of coffee at the Almshouses. I always think of Aileen when I pass St Nick's and Gateway Crafts in particular. That treasure trove that introduced fairtrade to Durham well before it could be considered mainstream. I still have a beautiful Mexican vase and now that too will make me think of Aileen. I haven't seen you much since your move to London but from what I hear from Sarah and is clear from these messages is that you built a similar life and community there, and Aileen continued to make a difference through her charity work. I've been thinking of you all since Aileen was in hospital and especially today. I hope that in addition to your faith there is some comfort to be found in the end of the pain and suffering of such a gruelling illness, and in a life lived so well. I hope too you find comfort in the company of others who love and miss her too. Much love to you all.

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