Community stalwart dies, aged 94 (From Craven Herald)

Community stalwart dies, aged 94

1:49pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

A Skipton woman, whose loyal service to the town was recognised by the Queen, has died at the age of 94.

Betty Patchett was awarded an MBE in 2003, mainly for her work with Skipton Hospital Friends and their efforts to raise £1 million to buy little “extras” for the hospital.

Born in Thurnsco, South Yorkshire, she moved with her family to Skipton as a teenager. She went to work in service at Skipton Castle, where she met her husband, Sam, who was the estate joiner. They married on September 30, 1939 and had two daughters, Barbara and Carol.

When war broke out, the couple left the castle and went to work at the munitions factory at Steeton. Afterwards, Sam got a job on the railways and later worked as a joiner at Craven District Council, while Betty became housekeeper to architect Mary Wales, working first in Stirton and then at the Gatehouse at Skipton Castle.

“They became really good friends and Mum was still helping out when she was in her 80s,” recalled Betty’s daughter, Barbara.

Sam died in 1983 at the age of 67.

Betty took an active part in community life. She was founder member and former chairman of Skipton Hospital Friends and was a key figure in the campaign to save Skipton Hospital when it was threatened with closure 10 years ago.

She was also a member of Skipton Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, helped to organise Skipton Gala and attended the town’s Christ Church.

“She was always willing to help others and was very family-orientated,” said Barbara.

As well as her two daughters, Betty had four grandchildren, Catherine, Helen, Ian and Paul, and four great-grandchildren, Laura, Liam, Samuel and Olivia.

A funeral service was held at Christ Church on Friday, prior to cremation.