In loving memory of Doreen Ellen Duley who passed away peacefully into God’s care on Sunday 28th April 2019.

Doreen arrived into the World, on 28th February 1940 in Battersea, London, the 4th of 8 children born to her parents Ellen and Charles Smith. She was the second of 4 daughters and had four brothers. Like so many wartime babies her childhood was far from privileged, but she always spoke of her early years growing up in Stanley Grove with great pride and affection. The devotion to family values and generosity of spirit formed in those early days were to last throughout her life.

Educated at Lavender Hill School, her first job was with the Air Ministry in Holborn, central London. At the age of 16 a chance meeting, while out with friend Zena, with two young men Joe and David, at Battersea Park fun-fair led to lasting relationships and marriage for both couples. Doreen and Joe married at St Philip Church, Battersea on 25th July 1959. They moved to Trinity Road, Wandsworth where they had 4 boys; David, Antony, Peter and Michael and later to Carshalton Beeches, Surrey where their 5th son Paul was born. Later Doreen and Joe moved to Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex but their marriage hit troubled times and they were divorced in 1987.

Happiness was, however, never far away where Doreen was concerned and she met Ray Duley in 1989 via a mutual friend, fell hopelessly in love, and the pair were married on her father’s birthdate; 28th November 1996 at the Registry Office, Grays, Essex surrounded by friends and family. 

Doreen and Ray moved to Orsett Heath where she lived for the rest of her life. The couple shared many interests including a passion for spiritual healing for which they set up a sanctuary providing help and guidance for people experiencing difficult times, many of whom have remained firm friends ever since. Of the many special friendships, they enjoyed over the years, that between Ray and Joe, which remains to this day, was a source of great happiness to Doreen. 

Doreen was a lifelong and hugely devoted fan of “The King of Rock ‘n Roll” Elvis Presley, his music was a constant companion to her. She was a staunch advocate for animal welfare, especially of cats and dogs, numerous of which were doted upon as treasured pets, but most especially of German Shepherds. But her real passion was family. At the time of her passing, in addition to her sons, she was proud to boast of 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren 3 step grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren. Nobody visiting the home of Doreen and Ray would be in any doubt about the importance of their families since the walls and every conceivable surface is adorned with photographs of happy times spent with them.

Ray requests no flowers but would appreciate any donation to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home charity.