I have been in the closet for more than 30 years. I doubt she ever noticed but the were times she suspected. I used to buy her gifts which since we were within 2" height of each other which I could wear e.g. leather coats and jackets.
Regretably she passed away after catching asperation pneumonia.
Since then I came out of the closet and openly addopted a feminime lifestyle.I bought leather pants, satin blouses and bought 3 wigs.
Being 67 years I went for the first time to a beauty salon to have my appearance improved ( eyebrows shaped feminine, nails laquered pale pink, and of course using lipstick.
I met some "sisters" in a restaurant and joined a group of ladies ( some of them were lesbians) who really welcomed me. I went on trips with my new friends.
I am really enjoying my new life style being in public without fear of being recognized. Would love to hear from sisters with similar experience.