Abbie Godber has announced the death of her grandmother, Valerie Smedley (nee Duffield).
Valerie was the daughter of Tilly and Joe Duffield who worked with the Ilkeston Mines Rescue Service and had a brother Des.
“Originally, she lived on Wood Street, Ilkeston, and attended Cavendish Girls School.
“She married Brian Smedley and they had a daughter, my mother Jane.
“She worked in various places around the area, including Thorpe’s Toyshop, Pounder’s shoe shop, and lastly East Midlands Electricity Board, on White Lion Square.
“She also loved to help out at Eileen’s florist and help her daughter in her salon (Salon one) in Heanor and at any care homes that Jane would work in doing hair.
“She was also a regular volunteer at Ilkeston Hospital in the past.
“Mama loved her exotic holidays, and her caravan at the coast. She loved nothing more than a sing and a dance, and was a regular in the Enterprise Club with her friends and neighbours from around John Street.
“She then moved to live closer to her daughter Jane, but she never forgot her roots.
“Sadly, she developed dementia, and for the final five years of her life, she has been lovingly cared for in the beautiful village of Langwith, by the amazing team at The Oaklands Care Home.”
