I retired in July 2012 after almost 30 years with the same company working in the Human Resources Department. I had decided long ago that I would make one of my winter retirement projects researching my family tree. I had been doing a few bits and pieces for a couple of years but had not really taken it too seriously.

On that fateful day sometime in October 2012 I paid my dues and joined Ancestry. There I sat with laptop, pencil and paper. I decided to go up my Grandmother’s tree on my Mother’s side of the family – seemed as good a place as any to start.

Within the hour I was reeling from the shock of finding out my Grandfather was one of four sons and of the four only one had returned from WW1. Of the three who died, only one has a known grave and the other two, including my grandfather, have not. I cannot even imagine how any parent recovers from such a loss. This year I paid a poignant journey to Ypres and stood at the Menin Gate in front of his name to pay my respects.

It did not take long to realise that David Emptage had many of my family’s names on his private family tree on Ancestry. So I messaged him to ask about them and that was the start of an amazing journey. David is my third cousin once removed. Through David I have connected with and met members of my family who only 9 months ago I did not even know existed.

Because of this journey I now stand in awe of the family I did not know. They have lived their lives in hardship, incredible sadness and unbelievable acts of bravery towards their fellow men. I am proud to be able to say that these people are my family.

My connection with the Emptage Family starts through my Grandmother Louise Mary Emptage 1892 – 1976 who lived her entire life in Byron Avenue, Margate.

Born 1949 in London, married 40 years to Terry, two daughters and two grandchildren

Work: after leaving school I worked with a national bank before having my girls. In 1984 I started work in a Human Resources Office and retired in July 2012

Interests:  Family Tree, Gardening, Reading

Lineage:

Henry Emptage 1763-1845 and Susannah Le Brush 1766-1826
Humphrey Emptage 1796-1845 and Isabel Brett c1795-1833
George Henry Emptage 1821-1887 and Susannah Stroud 1821-1887.
George Henry Emptage 1849-1942 and Mary Ann Foreman 1864-1938
Henry Alfred Gennery 1883-1917 and Louise Mary Emptage 1892-1976.
David Michael Greenwood 1918-1994 and Louise Mary Gennery 1914-2008