The former wartime Land Girl on Lloyd George's farm, and translator of German naval ciphers for the code -
breakers at Bletchley Park, went out in suitable style, however: throwing a farewell lunch party for 50 friends including Sir John Major in the Palace of Westminster — where she regaled guests with a song — before a final, majestic, pearls and fur - clad appearance in the Lords chamber to take the
oath one last time, to warm cheers from her peers.
Tiny Jo Palumbo, daughter of an Italian immigrant laborer, was the person who swore in newcomers, and the sight of her administering the grave secrecy
oath had inspired one code
breaker to write a lyrical poem in her honor.