Dorothy Davidson, née Dell, passed away at St James's Hospital, Leeds, on 6th May, aged 94 years. Predeceased by her beloved husband Gerald and daughters Gill and Lesley, she was a much-loved grandmother to Claire and Marc and great-grandmother to Theo. Dorothy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu of flowers will be gratefully received for the Sunderland Lions Club, and a donation box will be available as you leave the Sunderland Crematorium.

Born in Sunderland to Laurie and Annie Dell, Dorothy grew up around her parents’ photography studio, which instilled in her a lifelong passion for photography. In her younger years she was a keen tennis player, and it was over tennis, while she was a pupil at Bede Grammar School, that she got to know Gerald; after his national service, he would become a teacher and her husband for the rest of his life. 

Dorothy qualified as a pharmacist when few women went to university. She had a long and rewarding career, making a good many friends along the way.

Together, Dorothy and Gerald travelled widely, with journeys to Switzerland, Cyprus, the Middle East, and throughout the British Isles amongst their many adventures.

Dorothy and Gerald had two children together: Gill, a modern languages teacher, and Lesley, who followed her mother into pharmacy. Through Gill, they had two grandchildren, Claire and Marc. Claire, in turn, gave Dorothy a great-grandchild, Theo.

Dorothy and Gerald were devoted members of the Sunderland Lions Club, through which they made lifelong friends: charity dinners, hikes and much more besides. Dorothy believed deeply in friendship and in the value of service to others, and for many years she also ran the local Brownies as part of Girlguiding. 

With a sharp and inquisitive mind, she enthusiastically followed the news, and kept herself busy with crosswords, Sudoku, and complex jigsaws. She had a creative side too, taking pleasure in cross-stitch and playing the piano. She loved classical music, which was rarely absent from the house.

Dorothy's life was typified by repeated quiet sacrifice for others, yet she asked for nothing in return. She will remain an inspiration to her family, who will remember her fortitude, selflessness, and enduring positivity.