A MUCH-loved former Tamworth trader has passed away at the age of 103.

Doris Allen died peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning, with members of her family around her, at Standon House nursing home.

Monica's Cafe in Church Street, named after Doris' middle daughter.
Pauline's and Christine's Stores sandwiched by M Lesser & Son Ltd furnishers and Godfrey's leather shop. Inset, Monica's Cafe in Church Street, named after Doris' middle daughter.
Doris Allen, who has died at the age of 103.

She will be best remembered for her caring nature and entrepreneurial spirit which saw her run Allen's cafe, and dress and grocery stores named after two of her daughters, Pauline and Christine.

Along with her late husband Bill, Doris opened a cafe at the former Horse and Jockey pub in Church Street, naming it the Monica Cafe, after the couple's other daughter.

Monica Beeby, aged 70, paid tribute to her mother, she said: "She was a very caring, loving woman. I remember, when I was only 13, an Irishman at the old hospital could not be discharged as he had no-one to care for him.

"So mum said she would look after him, and she had us taking breakfast, lunch and dinner to him every day until he was well – that's the kind of woman she was."

Doris was born on February 13, 1907, into the big Smith family, who lived in the yard behind the butchers in Lichfield Street.

Her father was an ostler and when the horse trade dwindled, he looked after pit ponies at Amington Colliery, docked dogs' tails and gave advice on medicine and veterinary matters.

When Doris left Marmion School she went to work at Bradley's, where she sold chocolates and sweets to colleagues sourced from her grandfather's tiny shop in New Street.

She met her husband Bill Allen at a dance at the Assembly Rooms and the couple married in 1931 at St Editha's church.

Their first home was near to the train station but they soon found a little house of their own in Calcutta Terrace.

Doris and Bill, helped by all members of their family, turned an empty shop next to Godfrey's leather shop in Church Street into a dress shop on one side, and a toy, groceries and sweet department on the other.

In 1968, as major development began in Tamworth, the small of shops in Church Street, which had stood since medieval times, was slated for demolition.

It took time and great efforts from the Allen family to get the store up and running at its new premises, just 20 yards away from the original location.

Doris told the Herald in 1996: "I remember how people would come to me to help with mourning clothes. They often couldn't pay at the time but we always trusted them and we were never let down."

Bill died in 1977 but with the support of family and friends, Doris was able to still face life with a smile.

With her daughters married and bringing up their own families, it was time to give up the thriving little business.

In February 2007, the Herald featured an article celebrating Doris' 100th birthday, when a surprise party was held and she received a message from The Queen.

Doris told the Herald: "I have a lovely family and three wonderful daughters. It is nice to have family like that."

Daughters Pauline Wheeldon, 73, Christine Sidwells, 66 and Monica have expressed their gratitude towards staff at Standon House for the care they gave her mother while at the home.

Monica added: "Mum spent years of her life caring for other people and I think that rubbed off on each of us (her daughters) and our children.

"So, it was fitting that she received such superb care at Standon during her final days.

"When staff clocked off their shifts, they each came in and gave her a kiss goodbye."

Pauline said: "The main message our mum gave us was to be positive, and we live by that too."

Doris leaves behind eight grandchildren – Paul, Sue, Julie, Sarah, Andrew, Jamie, Adam, Nicola – and ten great-grandchildren: Charlie, William, Joss, Alex, Max, Isabelle, John Paul, Matthew, Jack and Elizabeth.

Fittingly, her funeral will take place at St Editha's church, where she was married, was a member of the congregation and the place overlooked by the flat Doris occupied before she moved into the nursing home.

Her service takes place on Wednesday, September 8 at 2.30pm, followed by cremation at Sutton at 3.30pm.

"Anyone who would like to come along and help us celebrate mum's life is welcome to come along and attend," said Christine.

Following the committal, a celebration of Doris's life gets under way at the Wigginton public house in Wigginton Road, from 4.15pm – all are welcome to attend.