DoreenSMITHIn loving memory of Doreen Smith, of Shuffley, Redruth.
Doreen, affectionately known as 'Dor' passed away peacefully at home on 2nd February 24, aged 90.
Doreen's early years were in Chelsea, West London, the daughter of Walter and Lilian Kerridge....Doreen was to prove a strong willed young lady, one who was self-reliant, independent and happy.
The war years would see her schooling interrupted, but her and her family were industrious and innovative, finding ways to supplement diet and income.
In 1948 the family moved to Worcester Park, Surrey and Doreen attended the Nonesuch County School for girls. At this time Doreen was "horse mad" and spent many happy hours around stables.
In 1950 she attended Technical College in Kingston on Thames where she trained to become a company secretary. This involved examinations in economic theory, typewriting, bookkeeping, English and shorthand and she was awarded entry to the Chartered Institute of Secretaries in 1951. She worked as a manager of several tea houses in London during this period, at one point managing two simultaneously.
Also in the 1950s, Doreen won a gold bar for modern dance, one of several accolades for dancing she received over her lifetime.
A further move in the 1960s, to Cobham in Surrey would see Doreen doing delivery driving for T. Wall (later "Walls Ice Cream"). She was at pains to point out that it was the large delivery vans she drove and 'not the one with jingle bells!'
Her spare time would be dedicated to her love of horses and show jumping, qualifying to compete in the Horse of the Year show, no less.
The 1970s would see Doreen expanding her horizons, immersing herself in European travel, culture and customs before returning back to the UK to take ownership of the Victory Café.
Doreen married Derek, a Grenadier Guard, on 20th June 1980, settling in St Neot then moving in 1987 to her beloved cottage at Shuffley Bottom, Tolgus Mount.
Following the sad passing of Derek in 1990, Doreen would let out part of the Cottage to students at Camborne School of Mines. Her humour and hospitality would leave a positive and lasting impression to those fortunate few who found themselves in her care.
Doreen would busy herself in being a force for good in the community that she had come to call her home.....a founder member of Kerrier U3A, and Chairperson of Cornwall U3A; but also integral to the Crofty Community Forum and the regeneration subcommittee of Carn Brea Parish Council.
From the 80's onward much of time was dedicated to her animals at her smallholding where she kept ducks, goats, chickens, geese and a small flock of sheep. She was to cut quite the indomitable character driving her sheep through the field and up the hill near her home.
A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday 1st March 11am at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne, followed by 'high tea' at Tricky's Restaurant @ The Tolgus Inn, Redruth at Noon.
Donations in her memory will be to benefit The Dogs Trust, and can be made by retiring collection, or sent to the Funeral Directors.
All enquiries to Funeral Director David Maddern, at Cornwall Funeral Services, Higher Fore St, Redruth, TR15 2AR. Tel: 01209 211684
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