Dorothy Smale (1922 – 2012)
I am one of the
many fortunate people who have had ‘the best parents in the world’. I say parents, because no eulogy about
Dorothy would be complete without mentioning Jack, her late husband, work
partner and companion for over 56 years.
The eldest of
three daughters, Dorothy was born at Loftsholme Farm, Howden, in the former
East Riding of Yorkshire, and had a happy childhood. When called up during the War, she trained as
a State Registered Nurse, working in Leicester
and London Leeds that she met her
future husband, sitting next to him on a coach trip home to Scarborough .
Jack was a fisherman from Devon who was up in Leeds
collecting a new diesel engine for the family’s boat.
The couple began
married life living with the rest of the family on a converted Brixham Trawler,
moored opposite
When Jack damaged
his back fishing they took on a tenancy at a local pub. They decided to stay in the trade and, over
the next thirty years, with Jack’s mother Bunty, owned and ran several places
in the South East Cornwall area, including renovating an old boys’ school in
Dobwalls and turning it into a thriving inn.
Jack and Dorothy were
active in Rotary International, the Hospital Car Service, also Cancer Research
and the Arthritis & Rheumatism Charity. They enjoyed golf, gardening, music and sea
fishing together.
Dorothy was a very
keen member of the WI, and was a National Trust Steward at Kedleston Hall in
Derbyshire. An excellent cook, Dorothy
was also fond of flower arranging and scrabble.
Fiona and Vicky
were very lucky to have such a super Granma, and appreciated their Grandparents
moving up to the Midlands to be near them
whilst they were growing up.
Over the years,
Dorothy travelled all over the world, including Australia Russia Thailand Singapore South Africa Europe - and even walked on the Great Wall of China at the age of 78.
 |
| Dorothy and Jack at the Highway Inn, Dobwalls, with his Mum (1960s) |
Eventually, Dorothy
looked after Jack for a long time before he died six years ago after which, to
feel more secure, she moved with us to Paignton. Since then, Dorothy’s health has gradually
deteriorated and, after a short spell in hospital, Dorothy died last Friday at
about tea time.
My mother was
cheerful, determined, fun and kind to all, she was a friend as well as my
mother, and she will be hugely missed by family and friends.
