Ruby and Max: Sibling Bonds at Catherine House

Ruby and Max: A Tale of Family, Friendship, and Life at Catherine House Care Home

Ruby Brown was born on 17th January 1936 in a cottage on Milton Lane, Woolley Hole, to her parents Hector and Doris Parfitt. Just two years later, on 14th May 1938, Ruby was joined by her younger brother, Max, who was born on Walcombe Lane in Wells.

Ruby started out at an all-girls school, but around the age of 8 or 9, the family moved to a bungalow in Leighton, and both Ruby and Max attended Nunney Primary School. From there, they moved on to Oakfield Road School, where Max proudly played in the school cricket team. Hector worked as a farm hand at Downhead near East Cranmore, while Doris ran the staff canteen at Foster Yeomans’ Tor Works.

After school, Ruby was always busy. She spent her time helping out at one of the two local shops in Nunney, riding her bike back and forth from Leighton. Later, she continued to work there full-time, always with a smile and a friendly word for everyone.

Max’s path took a different turn when he was called up for National Service.

Luckily, he got a more relaxed role as a batman (like a personal assistant) for an officer—perfect for Max, who’s always liked to keep things neat and tidy! When he finished his two year service, he worked in a shop in Frome but always dreamt of becoming a postman, which he succeeded in doing for over 25 years in Frome and the nearby villages.

Meanwhile, Ruby had married Tony Brown and embraced life as a farmer’s wife, taking great pride in knowing the breed of every cow in the field (just ask House Lead Sharon!). Ruby and Tony had two daughters, Linda in 1956 and Jackie in 1962.

Ruby was also a leader at the Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS), where she helped the girls earn their homemaker badges. While she wasn’t one for fancy dishes, her Victoria Sponges, Fruit Cakes, and Rice Puddings were always popular.

Max found his match at 40, and Ruby jokingly told his wife Carol, “Thank goodness you found him—I thought I’d be looking after him forever!” Despite their separate lives, Ruby and Max always stayed close and in touch.

Now, in their later years, Ruby and Max find themselves reunited at Catherine House Care home, in rooms right next to each other. Just as they did in childhood, they’re side-by-side once more, sharing smiles and companionship. All the staff know Max as Ruby’s little brother, as she never misses a chance to remind them he’s exactly 2 years and 4 months younger (don’t forget the 4 months!). It’s still early days, just over a week in, and both are adjusting to the big change.

For more information, visit www.catherinehousecarehome.com or contact us at support@catherinehousecarehome.com

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