Violet Elizabeth Dowson, described as a “much-loved pillar of the Appleby community”, has died at the age of 93.
Violet was the widow of Les Dowson; mother to Leslie and Ian; grandma to Katerina, Alexandra, Adam and Emma; sister-in-law; as well as aunty, neighbour and friend to many.
“Anyone who ever met Violet would always say the same thing. What a wonderful, special, caring, hardworking, kind, and fun-loving person she was,” recalled those close to her.
Violet was born on 22nd May, 1930, in Motherwell, Scotland. She loved her family and was very close to her siblings, managing to stay in touch with them and maintain social contact over the years. She always remembered her roots.
Violet’s hard work ethic started at an early age. She left school and at the age of 14 she came to England to work in a hotel in Bristol where her mother was a cook. This work would last through the “summer season”. When the season ended, she would return to Motherwell and find work in the hosiery factory there.
In 1949, aged 20, she arrived at the Scafell Hotel, in Borrowdale, to join her mother who was one of the cooks. This was the era when film stars and gentry like Lord and Lady Wedgewood would holiday in Borrowdale. From a young age, she helped everyone, whoever they were, and later, helping people in the community became a big part of her life.
Being young and living and working in Borrowdale it wasn’t long before relationships began, and Violet made very close friends who would later become her relations through marriage.
The late Les Dowson would travel on the bus from Appleby to see his parents and brother in Borrowdale. He met Violet through his brother Alan and once he heard her sing it was only a matter of time before he asked her to marry him. Rumour has it that he auditioned her for her role as his wife and her voice convinced him that she was the one!
Violet and Les married in Wishaw, Scotland, and then settled back in Appleby. They were married for 55 years. They first lived at the Ship Inn, and then moved to 13 Doomgate, before settling at Scattergate, where Violet lived until after Les’s death.
As well as raising a family, Violet continued to work hard as a waitress in the Royal Oak and then at Gillian’s hairdresser’s as well as the Norweb showroom.
The Appleby Concert Party (The Legionnaires), created and run by husband Les, would always see Violet duetting with Tommy Huck to finish another marvellous show. Her singing was beautiful and gave pleasure to many people. The Legionnaires gave pleasure not only to Appleby residents but also to those in surrounding villages.
Violet worked freely and tirelessly, helping her husband put on concerts which raised thousands of pounds for charity. Her efforts were rewarded with an invitation to a Buckingham Palace garden party. Violet was always very humble about her achievements, but it was a very well deserved and proud moment.
The British Legion was very important for Violet and played a huge part in her life. She was in the ladies’ branch and made many close friends, continuing to raise money for charities. She was the “sick visitor” and was always there if someone needed help. Her caring nature continued into the family as well as the community.
The church was very important to her and her faith made her strong. She loved to attend the Sunday services and take part in the church and fundraising activities with fellow parishioners.
After the progression of dementia, Violet moved to Stobars Hall, in Kirby Stephen, where she was looked after by wonderful caring people who became part of her family. She always responded with a big smile and loved to join in when her favourite songs were played. She was physically fit for 93 and walked around with the aid of her zimmer frame. Her spirit remained strong right to the very end.
Her funeral service was held at St Lawrence’s Church, Appleby, and was led by the Rev Roger Collinson, a very dear friend of hers.
Family members gave worthy tributes, and her granddaughter sang one of her favourite songs, which was very poignant.
The British Legion ladies’ branch gave her a guard of honour and a flag bearer as she entered the church.
