Members of SI of Cannock were greatly saddened when member of 32 years Doreen Smith died suddenly following a stroke.
Doreen was born and brought up in Great Wyrley; the Methodist church was central to the life of her family and that is where she met her husband Gordon and also where she made some of her lifelong friends. Gordon and Doreen moved to Cannock where their two daughters were born. Doreen then trained as a mature student to be a teacher, she taught for many years at Glenthorne Primary School where she was much loved – many past pupils continued to keep in touch with her.
In January 1984 Doreen joined Soroptimist International, Cannock & District and made many more lasting friendships there; in 2014 she was presented with a certificate to mark 30 years of membership and service. She was always a quiet lady, never wanting the limelight, always preferring to work in the background – she could be totally relied upon whatever role she took on. She was part of many committees, she collected and made items for the women who needed to access the Pathway Project (helping women victims of domestic violence), baked cakes when ever required and took charge of many of the raffles the club held. Her passion for all that Soroptimists do was reflected in the fact that half of the donations given at her funeral (held at Great Wyrley Methodist Church) will be given to Pathway, the remainder going to the Alzheimer Society, another charity very close to her heart.
President Carole Holdcroft led members in a minute’s silence when they reflected on their relationship with Doreen – club members will all miss her very much.