Tributes after death of 'extremely valuable' Doncaster NHS stalwart and volunteer

Mary Boothroyd, who worked in local hospitals throughout her career and even after her retirement giving patients morale boosting beauty treatments, was praised by bosses at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust following her passing.

A statement on the Trust’s Facebook page said: “It is with great sadness to report the passing of Mary Boothroyd, former Trust employee and volunteer.

"Mary started working at Mexborough Montagu Hospital in the early sixties as secretary to the then hospital matron before she retired in 1992.

"Always supportive of the hospital, she would work many hours at home on her typewriter typing up doctor's thesis and reports and she was renowned for her shorthand skills doing over 140 words per minute. She was also a keen supporter of the staff dances, Christmas parties and fairs.

"Throughout her retirement Mary continued working as a volunteer at Montagu, kindly giving up her time to give manicures to patients on the wards. When services changed she continued as a volunteer committee member of the Montagu Hospital Comforts Fund for over 36 years.

"An extremely valuable member of the Comforts Fund, Mary was committed to ensuring that patients, staff and visitors benefitted from all donations received; a very loyal member of the Montagu Team who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

"Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with Mary’s family at this sad time.”