Dulcie Richards - 31st July 1927 to 13th November 2016
From the Parish News – February 2017
It was with much sadness that the family and friends of Charlie and Dulcie Richards found themselves meeting again at Denton Chapel on the 6th December to commemorate the life of Dulcie so soon after the memorial service for Charlie only eight weeks preciously.
However after 69 years of a happy married life together it was destined for them to be re-united. The service was again conducted by Rev Jacquie Evans with a eulogy read by grandson James, followed once again by nine year old Harvey who bravely stood to read a poem in tribute to his great-grandmother.
Dulcie was born in Braintree, Essex. Her mother died when she was 14 years old, when she moved in with her aunt Daisy and uncle Harry who lived in the next street. They had no children of their own, but brought up Dulcie and her cousin Flossie. She also had a brother Donald who was five years older and was then serving in the forces.
She worked in Warner's textile factory in Braintree until she married Charlie, who she met in September 1946 in a forces canteen in Braintree where Dulcie served teas. They married on the 16th of August 1947 when they had both just turned 20.
After their marriage they lived with Charles parents in Ipswich for two years until they managed to find a place of their own, also in Ipswich, where their son David was born in 1950, followed by his brother Paul three years later. The family moved to Bungay in 1953 when Charlie started work at Clays. They lived in Bungay for seven years in a flat at Trinity Hall and Dulcie worked part-time at the King's Head.
In 1960 they moved to Denton after they had their bungalow built. Dulcie and Charlie thought their family was complete but in 1961 Karen was born.
Dulcie worked for many years in Alfred Battell's village shop doing the afternoon shift with Alfred’s sister “Bubbles” Gunton which was the commencement of a lifelong friendship.
Dulcie was a prolific needlewoman who made clothes for herself and all the family when they were younger. She also made lots of stuffed toys and other bits and pieces for village bazaars and fund-raisers, as well as helping to make costumes for the Denton Players for a while. She was also a very good artist, although always very modest about the fact! She was excellent at painting and sculpture, producing some wonderful masterpieces.
In total Dulcie and Charlie lived in Denton for 56 years – they were very happy here and became a much loved part of our community. They loved visitors and there was always a warm welcome as well as a helping hand available for their neighbours in years gone by. Their absence after 56 years will inevitably leave a void filled only with many happy memories of their life with us.
We extend our sympathy and condolences to their loving family and many friends, especially to David, Paul and Karen and their families including grandchildren Danville and Lewis; James and Mathew; and Emily and Liam; together with their twelve great-grandchildren.