Tributes paid following death of former Doncaster councillor and community stalwart

Former Doncaster councillor Moira Hood, who has died at the age of 76.

Moira Hood, 76, who served as Labour councillor for Wheatley between 2006 and 2014, died earlier this week following a battle with vascular dementia and cancer.

A familiar face in Doncaster, she was responsible for a number of community projects and was heavily involved in Doncaster Tenants' and Residents' Association for a number of years.

Mrs Hood, who leaves three sons and husband Brian, was described as "a woman who would do anything for anyone and would always put others first."

Born in Newtown, mid Wales in 1944, she spent her early years on the family farm with older sister Bren and younger brother Wyn.

It was where she first discovered her love of the great outdoors and she met her husband to be Brian at horticulture college in Northop.

The couple married in 1966 and were based around the country before finally settling in Doncaster in 1974, moving to Sandall Park Houses, with the pair both heavily involved in the park’s upkeep.

She developed a BMX track for local youngsters and was involved in community projects in nearby Clay Lane and Wheatley, organising bingo sessions for elderly people. She worked as a lunchtime supervisor at St George's School and was a governor.

Son Andy said: "She would do anything for anyone and always put others before herself. She was a grafter. Even when she was ill, she still wanted to put others first.

"If she couldn't sort a problem out, she would find someone who could."

A keen gardener and artist, she devoted almost 50 years of her life to Sandall Park.

Sandra Crabtree of Friends of Sandall Park, said: "This is very sad news. Moira was a valued member of FOSP, working tirelessly as a councillor and latterly as a volunteer for the group and the park.

"She had a wonderful sense of humour and was always supportive of everything to do with Sandall Park.

As well as her three sons - Duncan, Chris and Andy - she leaves six grandchilden and step grandchildren.

The funeral will be at Rose Hill Crematorium on March 18. Due to Covid restrictions, mourners will be limited but a church memorial is planned for summer following the loosening of lockdown measures.