Doreen Mavis Maidens (9 Mar 1926 - 12 Sep 2015)

In loving memory of Doreen Mavis Maidens who sadly passed away on 12th September 2015.

Doreen was born on the 9th March 1926, she would have been 13 around the outbreak of WWII . Life must have been very difficult as a teenager during the war years but she developed a love of Ballroom Dancing meeting and marrying Peter in 1948.

They developed as a dancing couple participating at various competitions and eventually starting their own Dancing Classes which were still going at least until 1974.

She could not have children which was a great sadness in her life but she enthusiastically took to looking after animals domestic and wild. Peter and Doreen had many pets a cat called Tiska and a Border Collie Panda are the first two I can remember from the late 50's early 60's. There followed a number of sheepdogs memorably Meg & Beth who were close in age and her last Mouse which died a few years ago. They attended many trials and watched the TV series one man and his dog to my knowledge they did not compete but I would not put it past them having a go or at least wanting to. They were both fond of the Dog Rescue home and supported it financially.

They spent holidays watching wildlife and grasping opportunities. Doreen was a great cook and enjoyed preparing meals for friends and family. Doreen was still taking their caravan to favorite places particularly Cornwall and later shorter distances to Cannock Chase, until she had to stop manhandling the van in her 70's. Later she would hire a static at Silvertrees for a holiday whenever she could.

The loss of Peter after 63 years of marriage had a great impact on her. She had looked after him in declining health and supported the local DAB where they both gave lectures and demonstration on caring for the partially sighted.

Doreen had recovered enough to make improvements around the house and buy another car by 2014. She enjoyed using it until this Summer. She embraced the internet age in the last few years buying herself an I-Pad and learning to use it for emails, researching recipes online, and of course ordering the shopping. She continued to bake her own bread and cook her own meals at an age when others would have sought a less demanding alternative.

A proud, independent and resourceful lady who cared deeply about others. She will be missed.

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