Paul and I felt it was a great privilege to be asked by Ben to talk for a few moments about Marilyn’s vocation.It was very humbling when he entrusted us with all the precious cards and letters of appreciation she received following the announcement of her retirement. These were from Foster Carers, Adoptive families and work colleges that Marilyn was associated with for over 30 years of inspiring service for the most vulnerable in society, namely children. As we have just heard, Marilyn’s faith, her family and friendship continued into her vocational life. It was not work to her it was what she would have called being in the right place at the right time doing what she wanted to do most …… Caring and Serving other people, leaving all self behind. She wanted the hands on human approach, rising up the career ladder was not her ethos. Her vision of Care was holding the lives of people in her capable hands in moments of great distress in dreadful places and times of turmoil in their lives. This was her skill, to guide them with the lightest of touch, through the difficult decision making procedures and paper work. This was her loving talent, to listen with empathy, without criticism, haste or judgement. Her advice was given with great assurance and calmness, with careful thought gently guiding them to make their decisions in the light of self-understanding, so that worry, doubt and guilt were gently healed and hope given for a better future. Every single baby, child and young adult placed in Marilyn’s care had her as their ‘Guardian Angel’. The gift by which she choose their placements was obvious in the wonderful responses of those who felt she had made their family complete with the gorgeous gift of a child. I’m sure the people who wrote the following, echoed by so many will not mind me quoting them.  How lucky we have been to have had your support and dedication over the years, it has been so reassuring to know that you were there at the end of the phone/ email when advice was needed.  Fostering and Adoption is not an easy role without the sensible and compassionate support that Social Workers like you offered. It would have often felt a thankless and completely daunting task.  You have made a huge contribution to the social welfare of many, many children and families.  Our experience of adoption would not have been so positive without Marilyn’s ability to empathise and support us through the process. Her special talent lay in her skill in making you feel you have a personal relationship, while at the same time being wholly professional  Marilyn thank you for your kindness and being a shining light guiding us through the fog  Our eventual approval to become adopters was down to you, we owe you an enormous amount of gratitude. Without your empathy, advice and support I’m not sure we would have had the strength to continue our quest. We also believe we are better adoptive parents thanks to your diligent preparation.  Thank you for all your support and understanding over the years. I have never felt so comfortable talking to anyone else. Well, the Richmond Adoption and Fostering Team have indeed lost a dear, dear friend and colleague, whose advice, support, love and companionship will be sorely missed and unlikely to be replaced by such a jewel as Marilyn. A light that has gone, but not faded, it is down to all of us to work with the same diligence, love, professionalism and selfless devotion that Marilyn showed to us all. We must restore the word Care in our society by emulating the wonderful example of Marilyn who made light of the word, work, and who dedicated her gifts and talents in serving those in need of her love and warmth. Ben, Jessica, Tom and Nick be assured by the love of us all here joined together by the memory of a true lady, be comforted by the knowledge of the very high esteem we all held Marilyn in. Surely there can be no better epitaph than ‘She went about doing good’