Words from Peter Gaulton

(cousin, currently living in Sydney)

As my mother Maisie was more of an older sister rather than an Aunt to Iris, Iris was more of a younger Aunt than a cousin to me.

In my childhood I only have vague memories of seeing Iris, mainly while staying with Aunt Ethel. My adult meeting at the age of 18 was at my sister Linda's wedding in 1970. It was my duty to escort Iris, Robert, Guy (10), Simon (8) and their friend Henri from France to the reception near Waltham Abbey from the Church in Cheshunt, where all the Forey family were present.

Years passed, I went overseas and on the seas. Alas Maisie died suddenly at 65, I saw Iris again at my mother's funeral in 1985. Along with Stan Forey, Iris gave me great comfort and we spoke at length. Three years later, whilst living in Holland but vacationing in Andorra (thanks to Iris) I heard my father Reg had died at 64. Iris came to his funeral and once again was very comforting.

Three months later I migrated to Australia and our correspondence continued. In 2000 Iris was the catalyst in my endeavours to trace the origins of the Forey family. Iris supplied me with the birth and death dates of our Grandparents Agnes & George (Bill) Forey. With the aid of a distant cousin-by-marriage I managed to obtain sixteen certificates, covering five generations going back to 1844. With the use of the Internet, a further five generations going back to 1615 to Thursley in Surrey. It seems some of the descendants of the Forey family went full circle. I believe Iris was quite intrigued with our discoveries and I sent her copies. Correspondence increased, including e-mail and 'phone conversations.

Iris was always upbeat about her illness, never dwelling on it. Indeed, so positive about her cancer, telling me that her oncologist said she was his star patient. It wasn't until I met up with Guy and family, here in Sydney in January 2002 that I heard how serious her condition was.

At my last two-hour 'phone call with Iris on her birthday in February 2003, Iris seemed to be quite concerned about my own minor ailments rather than her own far more serious condition. Iris was not only a great talker but a great listener, confidant and supporter, with understanding, interest and empathy.
I shall always remember her kindness, family anecdotes and great sense of humour.