

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell
Obituary
Margaret Cave (née Robinson), born 30th November 1950 in Hertfordshire, passed away peacefully at the age of 73. A devoted wife to John for 50 years and loving mother to Vicki, Richard, and Alex, Margaret led a life characterised by love, service, and creativity. Growing up in Hatfield, she developed passions for guinea pigs, reading, and fossils, which evolved into interests in genealogy, photography, and calligraphy in later life.
Margaret's professional life was marked by integrity and attention to detail. She began her career as a civil servant in the DSS before working as an administrator at the NSPCC, where she courageously stood up against workplace bullying and became a whistleblower in a significant case. Later, alongside her husband John, she co-founded a successful food hygiene training company, becoming an exam setter for City & Guilds and RoSPA. Not only that, she was a mum to several cats, giving them the best love and attention throughout their long lives.
Known for her mischievous streak and gift for conversation, Margaret touched the lives of many, from Hollywood stuntmen to military brass. She faced life's challenges, including diabetes and a triple aortic aneurysm, with remarkable resilience and humour. In her final year at Orton Longueville Court, Margaret embraced her new home with characteristic enthusiasm, becoming an ambassador and sailing and touching everyone with her love and tenacity. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, and the power of a well-told tale.
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Everytime we saw her she gave us a hug and shook hands and when I lost my husband she was very good to me.
And also she gave me a little tin where you put pills in with a dog on it this was specially given to me due to my kindness to her when she first came here..
You will be missed but I’m so happy your reunited with your love and no doubt a packet of fags!
Love always … Gracy
Mum, saying goodbye to you is so difficult. You were my real mum, my friend, and no one can ever replace you.
I treasure all our special moments together. I remember fondly how we'd go blackberry picking when I was a little girl, and how you'd help me with my Brownie activities. One of my favourite memories is visiting the plane museum with you, and the time we restored a jet aircraft cockpit alongside Dad. You were always so proud of my work at Flag Fen, where I learned about archaeology and history, inspired by your own love of the past.
Your support was unwavering as I ventured into the world of work. You gave me the confidence to work in shops, helping me overcome my fears of interacting with the public. I can still taste those delicious mince pies you'd make every Christmas - they were a highlight of the season for me.
Mum, you looked after me so well, always caring and fighting for me. When cruel people bullied me or wouldn't accept me because of my disabilities, you stood up for me fiercely. You may have been small in stature, but you were a giant in my life.
Your patience knew no bounds. You taught me to read and to walk without supports, encouraged me to ride horses, and instilled in me a deep love for animals. Thanks to you, I learned the importance of charity and trustworthiness. I felt so special when you entrusted me with caring for your beloved cats.
I'm grateful for all the skills you passed on to me. You taught me to knit, nurtured my love for puzzles, and showed me the joys of gardening. Our trip to America with Dad opened my eyes to the wider world, just as you always encouraged me to broaden my horizons.
Mum, your cleverness and love for people were inspiring. You taught me the value of friendliness and how to connect with others. I miss our visits when you were in the home, but I'm thankful for the bravery you showed in letting me have my own flat.
Your love and support have shaped me into who I am today. I miss you terribly, Mum, but I carry your love with me always. Thank you for everything.
With all my love, Vicki
R.I.P. Margaret
A graceful woman (even on her mobility scooter) and certainly a woman to aspire to, a leader and a Pirate! I know Margaret will be sorely missed by all who’s lives she touched and especially those who loved her. My deepest sympathy to Vicki, Richard and Alex.
Margaret, you faced many challenges in life with such determination and dignity and understood that” a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”. I will never forget you, especially as you took your final journey on my birthday. Also, tell John he owes me a roast dinner! Rest easy Shipmate! Ellen Xxx
I am just glad that when I popped back into the hospital to bring you a hairbrush whilst on shift, I woke you up. You looked so peaceful but something inside said to wake you up. We had a brief chat and then you said I love you and I replied see you later mother as I usually did.
Kicking myself for not saying I love you back, maybe if I knew that was the last time I’d talk to you I would have. I hope you knew how much you were loved.
I miss you Mum, I miss the days of when I was a kid and I’d lie on the sofa with my head in your lap. I miss our chats, I miss your words of wisdom.
I miss your rebellious side and the fact you brought that out in me. I loved that you thought it was great I forged your signature on my homework book, that I skipped school yet still excelled.
You always inflated my skill within the Ambulance Service always telling people that I was a paramedic, you were just so proud.
I miss the - this is my baby and she’s in/was in the Navy intro you always did.
We always conspired against Dad. You nicked my shoes and clothes.
Always there for me whenever I needed you.
In the last few years you’d been my rock. You sometimes made mistakes but you rectified them and with humility.
You always welcomed every friend of mine as a member of family, you loved hearing the stories, you loved my goddaughters as your own.
I loved that you thrived in Barchester. I loved that you were there at the door greeting everyone.
You were Vicki’s biggest protector, always fighting her corner. When I said goodbye to you and also Dad I promised I would look after Vicki and I will do so.
I loved that you were also Richards best friend. We wouldn’t have had him here I don’t think if that were not the case.
I do miss us winding him up about his untidiness!
You could talk the hind legs of a donkey, but that’s what I loved, you were a friend to all. It’s why you were so loved.
I won’t miss your cooking though!
Only person I’d allow to hug me, I miss your hugs.
You were taken too soon but I am pleased you’re no longer in pain.
I hope you’re giving Dad hell up there, also I hope you’re keeping a watchful eye over us along with everyone else who is up there.
Mum never said in person - however I love you and I hope you knew that xx
R.I.P. Margaret no longer in pain
I miss you - your wisdom, your rebellious spirit, your creativity, and your boundless love.
You were the best cat mum, with a magical touch that gave all your felines long, happy lives.
Your cooking was legendary (for all the wrong reasons!), but I'd give anything for one more of your ham and salad cream sandwiches.
For 25 years, I faced the darkest sides of humanity, but with you, I always felt calm and safe.
You were my best mate, my friend, and the only person who truly knew me.
Your strong sense of justice and your ability to set the world to rights were inspiring.
Though you're gone, your love remains, a beacon in my life.
Rest peacefully, Mum. You are deeply missed and forever loved.
Richard and Willow, xx
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Margaret embodied throughout their life.