Born Olive Ann Groves in Newchurch Isle of Wight on 16th June 1933. To Charlotte and Edward Groves middle sister to elder sister Pam and Tom younger brother.

Life for Olive started on the Isle of Wight, however Olive’s plans were much bigger than the island. At the ripe age of 16, Olive and her friend closed their eyes pointed at a map with the promise to go to whichever country they landed on. Destination Sweden! Olive and her friend Anita made the most of their time in Scandinavia, especially enjoying an ice dip after a hot sauna. Another adventure for Olive was a job in the big smoke! Her impressive shorthand skills saw her gain an early promotion and some great memories exploring London.
 
Making the leap from the Isle of Wight, Olive, with no previous hospitality experience, convinced a bank (whilst wearing odd shoes) to lend her some money to open her very own guest house. Olive learnt on the job as she hosted people of all walks of life. Olive always a great host and once got a rave review when she served tea without milk to a group of middle eastern guests. The fact Olive done this without asking went down very well with the guests who were suitably impressed.
 
Olive then moved to mainland into a lovely bungalow on Green Lane, Stubbington. Olive would soon be entering into the world of antiques. After stalling out at a local carboot and having to experience the local “dealers” attacking her stock like vultures, Olive could sense another challenge was on the horizon. Starting out as an amateur, Olive’s antiques career saw her regularly darting off to places such as Birmingham, Machams, Ford, Wickham and the infamous Kempton, all we need to say is that Olive certainly left her mark on the antiques market.

Cousin Andrew writes

“When Olive got married it was an emotional occasion for her dad. Uncle Ed kept everyone’s glasses topped up even Auntie Ann had the giggles and Mrs Gross was pickled.
Olive made the most of life and always seemed determined to enjoy it.  She was also very proud of her family. As I have got older I always try to remember the laughs we have had and all the good times and that is how I remember Olive.”

Brother Tom writes,

“Olive made the best roast potatoes ever”

Cousin Ruth

“I so enjoyed Olives Visits, we got on so well with our mutual love of animals and of wine.
I so very much hope you, Rachel, will visit me and my garden that Olive encouraged me so much with. Olive was someone special. I shall miss her today, yesterday and all my tomorrows.”

Note to mum from Rachel

“I need to say what a strength you have been for me during my life.

We shared many happy and sad times.

You worked so hard to be both mum and dad and never failed to be there for me.

My life was so enriched because of you. 

Although during my teenage years we met our challenges we came out the other side stronger.

Mum you were such a support while I have been finding out how to be a mum, and this continued until we said goodbye.  I am not sure how I will fare from here as a mum or a grandmother, this will be work in progress.

Mum I cannot begin to put into words how much I love you.

We have seen so many pets come and go into our lives all bringing so much fun and the inevitable heart break when we had to say goodbye to them. Any whiff of stray and you would be there.  Poppy Ann is one that spring to mind and makes me smile, can you remember saying “Poppy is such a good judge of character.”  Andy and I both still laugh about that now. 

I know I didn’t always get it right mum but I know the one thing that I did get right and that is giving birth to both my boys.  You gave them so much love and so much more.  At times I was almost jealous of what you had but oh how I loved to see you all together.

Not a family event or occasion passed without you being there. Mum I promise you that will continue. I know I speak for all of us when I say you will remain in our hearts for ever and you will enjoy the good times to come with us.  A glass will always be raised to you. I know you will also be there to support us all when we would normally come and seek advice and solace from you.

No words can express the love I have in my heart for you and thank you mum for everything. Your daughter Rachel”

Message from Lynne and Brian friends and Antique Dealer

“Words can’t really say enough, my heart’s broken never to see Olive again but my memories will last forever.  So many special moments.  So many deals.  Such a big part of my life in the antiques business and beyond.  I always grow primulas and always gave Olive the first ones. Followed by the sweet peas that we both grew and swapped. I will forever think of her when I see them.”

Message from neighbour Beryl:

“ Olive has been a very dear friend and confidante to me while living in Dunkeld Road.  Olive will be very much missed but never forgotten.”

Message from friends Jane and Peter:

Peter and I are so happy to have known Olive.  She was a special and cherished friend of the past 30 years.  We will miss her very much indeed.  I will particularly miss our long telephone conversations. Olive was always warm and interesting.  We shall remember her like that.  We celebrate a long life well lived.

Joan friend from art group.

“Dearest Olive an amazing lady with a wonderful smile a very close friend and confidant.  I first met Olive at art classes in September 1999 we became close friends and had many adventures together. We visited galleries, gardens and a hilarious weekend in Devon staying in a caravan. We also went on 3 memorable foreign holidays I will miss Olive but have so many happy memories that will always remain in my heart.”

Shirley friend and Antique Dealer

“Such a sad loss of a lovely lady. I looked forward to Kempton so much, knowing I would see Olive and have a nice chat.  Gone but never forgotten.”

Message from Jenny, Marion, Frankie, Vicki, Shirley, Cynthia, Chris and Andrea members of the Art Group

“Olive was an integral part of our art group.  Her knowledge of art and antiques was immeasurable.  Olive was also a very accomplished artist and created her own style.
The group will feel the loss of Olive but we all have wonderful memories. Olive will always remain in our hearts”

Message from Jenny member of Art group

“Olive was such a part of our art group that she will be sorely missed. Joan and I have known Olive since we took up painting over twenty years ago and have celebrated our successes and failures together over the years.  Olive was a dear friend who always showed great interest in our families and shared stories of her own together with interesting tales of her love for antiques. We can look back with fond memories of Olive especially her enthusiasm for cake on our birthdays.  Olive will always be remembered by her art friends.”

“A country girl with a cosmopolitan outlook on life, I am what I am and have had the best life ever because of the gift of life and unconditional love and support that I have had. Thank you. Your son Tim.”