Doreen Margaret Beesley (14 Feb 1930 - 20 Jun 2026)

In loving memory of Doreen Margaret Beesley who sadly passed away on 20th June 2026

Doreen’s Story

Doreen, or Nan Nan, as she was affectionately known, was born in Loughborough on St Valentine’s Day. She became a Loughborough High School girl, extending her skills through evening classes to include typing, shorthand and cookery. Doreen began her secretarial career as secretary to a local solicitor.
Doreen’s family were staunch supporters of St Peter’s Church in Loughborough where she became a Sunday School teacher and took the part of Mary for several years in the church Christmas tableaux – singing the Magnificat, the Prayer of Mary. She helped to lead the programme for the King’s Messengers Quartet visit, a renowned South African gospel group.
(Add a bit here about her meeting Frank at the church?)
With her mild, gentle temperament Doreen created comfortable homes for Frank, Christopher and Paul in West Bridgford, Wymondham in Norfolk and Mansfield. In her secretarial career she was secretary to Professor Bradbury at the University of East Anglia and Professor Wallace at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital.
Travelling world-wide with Frank, Doreen visited Europe, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, Egypt, the West Indies and South America. She shared with the family a love for catching salmon in Ireland, also Alaska and Canada, as well as regular fishing at Chatsworth. She was also a keen camper and caravanner, enjoying trips with the boys around Britain and Europe.
The natural world was her passion. She adored her dogs – Smokey, Ben, Gemma, Toby and Georgie. She carefully watched and cared for the variety of birds in her garden and tolerated the grey squirrels! She also enjoyed watching the local foxy visitors to the garden. She enjoyed cooking and made excellent marmalade and jams. She was also a keen gardener and regularly won prizes in the local flower show for her sweet peas and dahlias.
Doreen tolerated her illnesses in later life with grace, dignity and courage*. She was devoted to family life and care for others. Hers was a good life well lived.
*Or ‘resilience and patience’

The family very much appreciate your presence here today. You are warmly invited to join them for refreshments at 9 Parkland Close, Mansfield NG19 9PP.

Donations in memory of Doreen will be given to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.