Dorothy Cretchley

THE funeral of Dorothy Cretchley, 79, at Kingsdown Crematorium, was followed by a well attended thanksgiving service at St Bartholomew's and All Saints' Church, Wootton Bassett.

The vicar, Fr Bernard Garratt, who recalled Dorothy's excellent Bible reading at many Sunday services, paid tribute to her work in many facets of local life.

Mrs Cretchley, who coped courageously with cancer, continued to preside at Wootton Bassett WI meetings until a month before her peaceful death at Prospect Hospice.

Mrs Cretchley (ne Horrell) was a Swindonian whose family moved to Twickenham where she and her two younger brothers grew up. She enjoyed sports, including fencing, played hockey for her school, and served as Akela to a Cub Pack.

In a Civil Service career which took her from London to Southport and Frome, she met her late husband, Bob Cretchley, via the Civil Service Union in the Second World War.

They were married in 1951 at All Saints, Twickenham, and had a son and a daughter before moving with his work to Wallington.

As their family grew up, Mrs Cretchley worked as a dinner lady, a role she continued at St Bartholomew's Church School on their move to Branscombe Drive, Wootton Bassett, nearly 30 years ago.

Fr Bernard recalled: "Dorothy did so much over the years. She took an active interest in community affairs, was a keen member of Friends of the Earth and The National Trust, and a great supporter of the Women's Institute."

In the WI, Mrs Cretchley enjoyed many activities including skittles, Scrabble, swimming and amateur dramatics.

She also shared her husband's enthusiasm for walking, was devoted to her family and took great joy in her grandchildren.

Fr Bernard paid tribute to her firm faith and tremendous courage, especially when she knew that the end was close.

He said: "After the wonderful party in September for her 79th birthday, with so many family and friends around her, she told me 'I'm so grateful they all came, and didn't wait until my funeral.'"

Lee Brock gave a Bible reading, Mrs Cretchley's son-in-law Brian Gibbs read Canon Scott Holland's meditation on death and her sister-in-law Irene Cretchley read a poem, Meeting with no Parting, which was composed especially by her brother-in-law Ronald Cretchley.

The Rev Simon Stevenette led the prayers of intercession.