Tributes to popular housing warden

Hillary Dowling said her mother Ada, only left her job as a council warden at 68 and continued working at Le Bistro in Wentworth, where she had been employed for 20 years, until two months ago.

“She bravely struggled with cancer, finishing work only weeks before she died, and her stoicism and bravery was an inspiration to both her hospice nurses and her family,” said Hillary.

Formerly of St Ann’s Road, Ada started working on relief in Wharncliffe Flats.

Latterly living in Rawmarsh, she covered many schemes including Wath, Swinton and Brampton, where she was popular with residents for spending time listening and helping them, often in her own time.

Hillary added: “She loved her work and reluctantly left her job as a warden aged 68 when the service was re-organised.

“Her caring nature extended to animals and she always had at least one dog, which she was often seen walking for miles.

“She married my father, who ran JV Dowling Painting & Decorators on St Ann’s Road, and we were a well known family in the area.

“She brought me up as an equal to my brothers and always looked after older members of the family.

“When my father died, she was working two jobs and moved to Thorogate on Rawmarsh and rapidly made new friends.”

Ada, who died at home surrounded by her family and little borrowed dog, a pug called Dylan, leaves behind five sons, a daughter and five granddaughters.  

Her funeral will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 14, at Rotherham Crematorium.

Hillary said her family would love to welcome all her old friends and colleagues to attend.