Dorothy May Humphreys (9 Nov 1929 - 13 Jan 2021)

In loving memory of Dorothy May Humphreys who sadly passed away on 13th January 2021. Dorothy (or Dotty) was born in Hipperholme in West Yorkshire to her parents David and May Diack. She was the younger of two children with her brother Ronald. Her father was working in Yorkshire as a Inspector of Taxes, but while she was still an very young infant, the family moved back to their native Glasgow where she grew up. It was a happy childhood, although when she was only 12 years old, WW2 broke out, and Glasgow was frequently bombed, so she was an evacuee when the risks were at their highest.

She attended Hutchesons' Grammar School completing her Lowers and Highers before progressing to Glasgow University where she attained a Masters degree in English Literature. It was at the Hutchesons Final Year School Dance that she met a blond young man who had gate-crashed the party from Glasgow High School. This was Archie, who in 1953 became Dorothy’s husband. Their relationship lasted for a total of 66 years until Archie passed away in 2013.

A few days after the wedding, Archie was posted to Germany with the RAF, so Dorothy had to remain in Glasgow for a year until they became eligible for Married Quarters, after which she moved to Wildenrath near Mönchengladbach. It was here that she began to learn German, and here that she also learned how to cook very hot curries, which was one of Archie’s favourites. Upon completion of Archie’s fixed term of service, they returned to England and settled with Dotty’s parents who were now in

David the first son, was born in 1956 while they were still staying with parents, and he was followed by Niall in 1959.
Archie took a job with Southern Rail as a Civil Engineer and Dotty started working for Redhill Technical College (now East Surry College) where she became and English Literature and Language Lecturer. Over the years she established a reputation both with her students and colleagues of a being a very witty, intelligent individual who would inspire her students, and who was respected by colleagues.

She became known for her love and deep knowledge not only of literature, but of learning and the arts in general. She was an accomplished singer and pianist, spoke three languages, had a deep knowledge of history and the classics and loved to explore and visit new places. She was a passionate exponent and believer in life-long learning.

Among her other talents, Dotty was highly skilled and adventurous as a cook, long before culinary excellence had become fashionable in England, and with Archie was famed for throwing fantastic parties where she would single handedly prepare hot or cold buffets for 100 guests or more. She also turned her hand to bricklaying and general building work when Archie and Dorothy decided to extend the home rather than move to another house.

Dotty and Archie both retired in 1989 and enjoyed their retirement travelling and exploring the world. Dotty also became invovled with the U3A, and was a regular member of the French Conversation Group. She also served for many years as secretary to the Reigate Arthritis Care Committee. Dotty was parted from Archie by his death in 2013. Dotty remained in the family home. She was fiercely independent, and determine to stay in the house where she had raised her family and where she and Archie had lived together for 55 years.