Doris Cruse (Passed away 31 Aug 2016)

Doris was a lovely lady and a good friend we will miss her Joan and Lorraine

My Mum Grace and her sister Doris were always egging each other on, and their rendition of 'The Sheik of Araby' as memorable. Now walking hand in hand with Uncle Eric.

My Nan, Doris Marjorie Cruse. Nan will be remembered as a warm hearted, generous person with a huge sense of humour to go along with it. I imagine her friends throughout the years have witnessed her uncontrollable laughter when something “tickled” her and that for me is the one trait that will become most memorable to me.

Doris was born in Leyonston London on the 9th January 1924 Andhad 4 sisters and 1 brother. She played an active part within the army during the Second World War identifying planes after she joined alongside her Sister Grace. Doris often shared memories of herself and Grace not following the strict army rules by sneaking out to go to a dance in the local town and never getting caught.

Doris met her husband, Eric, at a wedding and they married when she was aged 27, during which time she worked in the packing department of a shirt factory. Later on in her married life aged 38, Doris and Eric began a family, having their daughter Sandra and shortly after moved from Essex to Devon. It was in Devon that Doris’ son John came along before moving to the Isle of Wight which is where both Sandra and John spent their teenage years. Doris went on to work as a waitress and a hairdressing assistant as well as running her own small business making cakes for special occasions.

In 1986 Doris became a grandmother for the first time following the birth of Sandra’s daughter, Elizabeth. Sadly, shortly after this Doris lost her husband Eric and a few years later decided to move to Swindon to join her expanding family as Sandra had two more children; James and Thomas. When Doris moved to Swindon she joined a few clubs to meet people of a similar age and make friends, this is where she met Gerry who became a firm friend and companion for the next 23 years of their lives. Doris and Gerry enjoyed going on many holidays together, visiting America, Austria, Switzerland to name a few as well as regularly going dancing and playing boules.

Doris’ son John then also moved to Swindon to be with the rest of the family; allowing her to enjoy a holiday with her children and grandchildren visiting Bideford in Devon during the Summer of 1995, this was particularly memorable for her and she reminisced about it only a few weeks ago. Many family holidays were had together and Doris always loved being centre of attention as Nanny. Another particularly memorable time was during the trips taken to Disneyland Paris with her Grandchildren, it was during this time she was likely to be more childish than them!

In 2006 Doris was so happy to be able to meet her first Great Grandchild Molly and a few years later Pippa. She stayed so young for so long, it was hard to believe she was an elderly lady whilst she sat on the floor playing tiddly winks with them.

One thing that Doris always said and truly meant was what a good and happy life she had led; she was also adamant that she would never change a thing and was glad for everything she had. During the past few years both Sandra and John have been there to care for her which she truly appreciated; particularly enjoying the times when John was able to take her out.

Doris will always be remembered as a wonderful Mum, Nan, Great-Grandmother and friend. We should all look at today as not only an opportunity to say goodbye and to appreciate what she brought to our lives individually but also as a celebration of her life as she would have wanted.