Family is key for five generations of Parson Cross females

Newborn Harmony Kennedy's arrival marked a special moment for one Sheffield family, completing five female generations.
Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall, Harmony Kennedy and Tracy Coleman.Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall, Harmony Kennedy and Tracy Coleman.
Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall, Harmony Kennedy and Tracy Coleman.

The seven-week-old is the latest addition to a line of women that begins with Shirley Woodhouse, 81, from Parson Cross.

It carries on through Shirley's daughter Gail Cadwallander, 61; granddaughter Tracey Coleman, 43; great great granddaughter Amy Mayall, 24; and now little Harmony.

Five generations of females -  Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.Five generations of females -  Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.
Five generations of females - Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.
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"My family is my world," said Tracey, surrounded by family in Shirley's front room. "I would die for them. It's always been like that."

Shirley suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Her husband David, 81, is her full time carer, but he is lucky to have the help of the women in his family.

"When nan was the head of the family she helped people a lot," said Tracey. "She babysat, she helped them decorate.

"So it's now our turn to help her."

Five generations of females -  Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.Five generations of females -  Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.
Five generations of females - Tracy Coleman, Gail Cadwallander, Shirley Woodhouse, Amy Mayall and Harmony Kennedy.

David, a retired steelworker, is originally from Attercliffe, but has lived in Parson Cross with Shirley for the majority of their 62-year marriage.

He is thrilled with the family's latest arrival.

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"I just wanted to be happy - and that's what I am," he said.

"It's good to have your family so close."

Gael, from Wadsley Village, is the only one of the five generations not to live in Parson Cross. But she is a regular visitor to her mother's house.

"We all come here so we can help her," she said. "When she remembers, she is really pleased to see us all.

"We just make sure to keep in touch and everyone is fine."

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