My mother, Frances Glacken, sadly passed away on January 15th at the age of 85 here in Dublin, Ireland. Since she had been going to Gouves for 22 years, twice a year, with me and my partner, Sean, she had many treasured friendships in the area. Therefore, I am writing this letter as sort of a memorial for my mum.  

She loved Crete so very much and looked forward to her visits with great anticipation. We had my mother's 80^th birthday party several years ago in Kafenion Efkalyptus in Pano Gouves, and all our friends joined in.

My mother was a brilliant musician and one wish she had was to play her violin up in the village, which she did for her birthday, with a couple of other musicians. My mother and I played, every week in the senior citizens unit here in Blanchardstown right up to the week she got her stroke on December 15 of last year.

All her life she played at all sorts of charity events, music was her life. She only retired from teaching five years ago and had a wonderful children's orchestra

As I said, mum had many friends in Gouves and Kokkini Hani and she loved reading The Khronicles to keep up with all the news.

I want you to thank all her friends over there for all the kind letters and phone calls of condolence to us. Hopefully, we will get over again in the summer to see everyone.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Ryan