We’re feeling sad but oh so proud that one of our longest standing members, Betty Mash, has passed away.
Tricia, with the help of one of Betty’s longest standing Soroptimist friends, Marion, has written this beautiful piece for her family
If anyone was the definition of the phrase ‘a woman of substance’, it was Betty Mash who sadly passed away on the 4th September in a local nursing home, just short of her 97th birthday.
In her life, Betty was a true trail blazer for women, embodying all that women can achieve in their lives.
At school, Betty had excelled at sport, especially in running.
Deciding on a police career, she entered a profession completely dominated by men, having to be tough and stoic at a time when the majority of women were not expected to be focussed on their careers. In 1957 Betty became a Sergeant in the Coventry area. She would often tell tales of how she would put her male counterparts to shame with her motor bike riding skills! Her focus was on women’s safety and rights, and she was placed within the women’s and children’s division. She certainly saw life on the front line of human nature. During her service she initiated programmes to assist vulnerable women and children whose voices had often been silenced and disregarded. Such were her skills that she rapidly gained promotion, and in 1963 when the various forces were amalgamated with Warwickshire, she gained the posts of Chief Inspector and Superintendent, continuing her work within the Women’s Division. Around this time Betty was selected to attend a prestigious course at Bramshill Police Staff College, being the sole woman attending the course. This course was only open to officers of a high rank, which Betty had achieved.
As a Soroptimist, Betty was a keen and devoted member of both SI Coventry and later SI Kenilworth. She made many lifelong friends in both Clubs and became President of SI Coventry in 1972, supporting Guide Dogs, a charity close to her heart. On transferring to SI Kenilworth due to home relocation to Leek Wootton, she remained a faithful and diligent member and held a very successful fish and chip supper in her home for charity. She was a regular attender of the meetings, often making cogent and relevant comments to help proceedings along.
In 2016, Betty was awarded her long service award from Soroptimist head office.
Even when her health started to decline, she made sure she was up to date with all things soroptimist, often looking forward to reading the monthly newsletter avidly. At this stage, Betty often could not attend the meetings anymore but was a regular figure around Kenilworth walking her little rescue dog ‘Pocket’ in all weathers. She would always make sure that Pocket was well looked after, regardless of rain, hail or snow!
To summarise, Betty Mash was a ‘tour de force’. She was the sort of person people felt they could talk to and would be listened to. She would give honest, sensible advice, often with a good slice of sense of humour. A loyal friend and club member.
A unique and special person. She will be missed.
Tricia Weinbren
Associate Member and Betty’s friend
Betty’s funeral will be held on the 8th October at Oakley Wood Crematorium South, Oakley Wood Rd, Bishops Tachbrook, CV33 9QP at 1.30pm. No flowers, but a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.
Betty will be given a full escort on her final journey of two police cars and motorcyclists, plus riders in front to clear the traffic.
Such a beautiful mark of respect for Betty’s achievements of women in the Police Force.
