On 24th October 2026, Dorothy, aged 90 years, died peacefully at The Manor House, Chatburn, where she was cared for with exceptional kindness, dignity and compassion following several weeks in hospital.
A devoted mum to the late David and mother-in-law to Andrea, beloved ‘Red Grandma’ to Matthew and Ana, doting great-grandma to baby Tristan and dear auntie to Sarah and Rachel.
Dorothy was educated at Intack Primary School, Blackburn, and later was awarded a Thwaites Scholarship. She was an exceptionally gifted mathematician who graduated with Honours from the University of Manchester in 1957, at a time when relatively few women had the opportunity to pursue higher education. She went on to enjoy a distinguished teaching career, becoming Head of Mathematics at several schools including her old Blackburn High School For Girls, before serving as Deputy Head at Westholme School, alongside Vera her old school pal and where she spent 27 very happy years. Teaching mathematics was not simply her profession, but a lifelong passion.
Born and raised in Blackburn, Dorothy often recalled her happy childhood and teenage years spent at St Jude’s Youth Club with her lifelong best friend Eileen. Her mother, Sarah Ellen, worked at Imperial Mill, while her father, Herbert, worked at Prestige.
Dorothy had made her home in Rishton and in later years enjoyed dining out with family and friends, cruising to new destinations and researching family history alongside her beloved elder sister, Doreen, following their retirement. She also treasured the time spent with her brother-in-law, Terry. She was Secretary to the Peel Foundation and the first female President of Blackburn Rotary Club.
An avid reader, Dorothy returned to the novels of Jane Austen every year, never tired of watching sport on television and retained a lifelong love of ice cream – a treat she particularly appreciated, having missed out on it during the war!
Dorothy spent her final years in the beautiful Ribble Valley with her family, enjoying a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Reflecting on her life, she recently remarked “I have enjoyed every stage of it” – a lovely testament to her outlook on life.
She will be remembered with great love and affection for her remarkable intellect, dedication to education, cheeky spirit and the many happy memories she leaves behind for her wider family, lifelong friends and former colleagues.
Family flowers only, please, by request.
Donations in Dorothy’s memory will be gratefully received for Whalley Bell Ringers, in tribute to her beloved son David, who served as Tower Captain, and in recognition of Dorothy’s own connection with Whalley Parish Church, where she attended services in later life.
Donations may be made directly to:
Account name: WHALLEY BELLRINGERS
Sort code: 20-09-72
Account number: 30932388
