MITCHENALL FAMILY HISTORY

Lillian Elizabeth was born on the 4th April 1875, in Edenbridge. she is recorded as an apprentice in 1891, but 10 years later, at the age of 25, she is a lady's maid to John and Mabel Talbot, then stated to be in Chelsea but would now call itself Knightsbridge. The home, at 3 Herbert Crescent, employs eight servants. 

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She married in 1908 in Clacton to Mario Cesare Ottorino Busi, who is recorded in the 1911 census as being a Hotel Waiter who was born in Italy. Living in Folkestone, they are stated to be living in one room. The address given, 1 High Street (Rooms above), Sandgate, is today a large house with a shop front. It would appear less grand than her residence in Knightsbridge.

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Her brother Percy also resided in Folkestone; or rather his son Raymond was born in Folkestone in 1909. Percy died at her sister Tamar's home in Clacton, and the family obviously were closely in touch. 

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Following her marriage Lillian's story is less well documented. Her marriage to Mario Busi I am told ended in divorce in 1931, but the 1939 census records her living in Croydon ( Norbury) and a widow with "unpaid domestic duties". Her only companion is Grace E Cramp, a Civil Servant, Counter Clerk and Telegraphist 16 years her junior.

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When she died on the 17th October 1953, her address remained 5 Lloyd Avenue Norbury, although she died at 29 North Side, Clapham Common. Her neice Lilian Amy Waller was her executor - who, if I am right, was the little girl in her wedding photo., 

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