FAMILY and friends gathered for a fitting send off to a much-loved grandmother from Redditch, who spent her years helping others within the community.

Doreen Cross died at the age of 94 on February 21 at Terrysping Court, where she had been a resident for 13 years and was involved in the organising of events.

She had a passion for singing and formed the choir ‘The Oldertones’, who entertained residents at other care homes within the area to help put a smile of people’s faces.

Her funeral service at Redditch Crematorium was held on Friday, March 16, with guests wearing Doreen’s favourite colour – lavender – to help celebrate her life.

She wanted her choir ‘The Oldertones’ to sing at her funeral but as they are now so diminished, The Primrose Hospice Choir kindly stepped in.

Doreen was born on September 29, 1923, to parents George and Kate Chambers, and was the second of five children alongside siblings Elsie, Olive, Harry and John.

Her dad died when she was 16, at the age of just 38.

Doreen met her future husband Eddie at the Redditch Youth Club when they were both teenagers, and they later married at St George’s in Redditch on April 4, 1942.

The couple had five children together - Brenda, June, Maria, Ian and Peter.

She became Nan to eight grandchildren, and later Great Nan to seven more.

Doreen devoted her life to her family and also helped the community, collecting money for the Redditch Association for the Blind and organising fundraising dances and events.

As part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012, Doreen met Her Majesty and Prince Phillip and was recognised for her work within the community and for charity.

Daughter Brenda said: “She was a fantastic mother and grandmother.

“She did a lot of community work and had a lovely singing voice. She was a very popular lady and will be sorely missed by everyone, especially at the Terryspring Court.”