Mrs Doris Saunders
A WOMAN who worked tirelessly behind the scenes at Porchfield Cricket Club has died, aged 78.
Doris Saunders was born on the Island and attended Northwood Elementary School, before starting her first job in the office of A. Walmsley.
She went on to have other jobs on the Island at North-wood House and Cowes Town Council and was secretary for the Territorial Army in Newport.
Mrs Saunders moved to Finsbury Park, London, with her husband, Ray, in 1957 and worked in the City of London, before giving birth to her first child, Diana, in 1959.
Mrs Saunders had many hobbies, including darts and table tennis, and was one of the main organisers of Wickford Carnival in Essex.
She kept her connection with the IW by having the programmes for the popular event printed on the Island.
In 1969, Mrs Saunders had her second child, Michael, and the family moved back to the Island to live at Chale in 1983, when Ray retired.
Mrs Saunders had close links with several groups on the Island, including Chale, Brighstone and Porchfield Women’s Institutes and Shorwell Sports and Social Club.
But her real affection was for Porchfield Cricket Club. She became an honorary member for all her hard work and fundraising and was instrumental in obtaining a grant for the club to be upgraded.
Her husband died in 1991 and a short time after, Mrs Saunders met her partner, John Hayward, later living with him for many happy years at Thorness.
Mrs Saunders leaves her son, daughter, grandchildren, Emily, Christopher and Eleanor, and sister, Enid.
Her funeral was held on Monday, at Cowes Methodist Church, followed by a wake at The Bowsprit, Gurnard.
• Family announcements are at http://www.iwcp.co.uk/search/familyannouncements.aspx
This week's announcements will be online by 4.30pm today (Friday)