Remembering Dame Shirley Conran: A Personal Tribute to an Inspirational Figure

Last Saturday would have marked the 92nd birthday of Dame Shirley Conran, a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on my life and the lives of countless others. Just months after her passing in May, I find myself missing her as badly and reflecting on the profound impact she had on me and the lessons she imparted through her indomitable spirit and boundless creativity.

An Unexpected Encounter

Ten years ago, my family and I had just moved into a new flat when an extraordinary event occurred. Like an apparition, a lady in a white robe appeared at our door. She introduced herself as our neighbour and asked if I could help her carry some shopping upstairs. Little did I know I was about to embark on a decade-long friendship with Britain's queen of quips and champion of women's liberation as well as one of the most inspiring figures I've ever had the privilege to know.

Life as a Game of Snakes and Ladders

Shirley often described her life as a game of snakes and ladders, a metaphor that perfectly captured her experiences of both triumphs and setbacks. What set her apart was her unwavering determination never to give up, even when she found herself sliding down the board. Her resilience and stoicism became a huge source of inspiration for me.

Throughout her life, Shirley faced numerous challenges that could have derailed her ambitions. From her early struggles with dyslexia and math anxiety later to divorce and being a single mum, and to serious health issues, each setback was met with fierce grit and wit. She viewed these obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and new beginnings.

A Life of Resilience and Humour

In the summer of 2019, Shirley casually dropped a bombshell over our regular catch-up. "By Christmas, I'll be dead," she announced, as if discussing the weather. She'd just been diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of an orange.

Now, most people would panic. Shirley? She laughed and said, "When I found out, I rushed home, put on my best silk robe, and poured myself a glass of bubbly. If I'm going out, I'm going out in style!"

Spoiler alert: Shirley didn't "go out" that Christmas. Not only did she emerge victorious from her 2020 brain surgery, but she did so with her trademark flair. Mere days after the operation, upon being transferred from intensive care, Shirley transformed her new hospital room into an impromptu soirée.

Convinced it was morning, she had the entire room in stitches with her wit and charm. Afterwards it was referred to as that cocktail party Shirley Conran held in the middle of the night. Leave it to Shirley to turn a post-operative recovery into an uplifting experience.

Cooking Up a Storm and a Friendship

When Shirley’s brain tumour was discovered, my son started cooking for her as part of his weekly lessons. During this challenging period, a beautiful relationship blossomed between them. What started as a kind gesture evolved into a deep and meaningful connection. Shirley always made time for him, offering encouragement, wisdom, and her trademark wit. He loved spending time with her and their friendship was a testament to Shirley's ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life.

A Champion for Maths Education

Every visit to Shirley's flat was a life lesson. When I called she would always say, “I am busy. Tell me quickly”, yet always find the time for a chat over a glass of champagne. She continued to work tirelessly on her passions until her final days, embodying the very essence of living life to its fullest.

One of Shirley's most passionate causes was improving education, particularly in mathematics and especially for girls. She recognized the importance of numerical literacy in empowering the next generation and worked tirelessly to make math more accessible and engaging.

The Superwoman Who Stuffed No Mushrooms

Shirley's famous quote, "Life's too short to stuff a mushroom," wasn't just clever; it was a battle cry for women drowning in domestic expectations. She wrote "Superwoman" not to create an army of perfect housewives, but to liberate women from the tyranny of unnecessary tasks. Her practical advice freed countless women to pursue their dreams, armed with time-saving tips and a healthy dose of ambition.

A Legacy Wrapped in Wit and Wisdom

Shirley may have left this world, but her spirit lives on in every woman who dares to prioritize her dreams over dusting, in every child who faces math without fear, and in every person who chooses to celebrate life's small victories with a glass of bubbly.

Shirley taught us that life is indeed a game of snakes and ladders, but it's how you play that counts. So here's to you, Dame Shirley Conran – may we all face our challenges with your courage, tackle our fears with your humour, and always, always have our door open – you never know who might just walk in.

In honour of the Grande Dame of Wit and Wisdom, I propose a toast: May we stuff no mushrooms, fear no numbers, and never despair when we slide down life's snakes but dust ourselves off and find a new challenge. Cheers, Shirley. The game of life was so much more fun with you in it.