Dorothy, known as Joan, was born on January 20th, 1922 in Tranmere and her baptism took place on March 25th, 1922 at St. Paul's (Tranmere) conducted by Vicar Mason Pooley.12
Birth Notes
Mum was born 20-Jan-1922. She went to school in Tollimash Road, Birkenhead. They lived at 44 Upper Brassy St. until 1933, when they moved to 37 Devonshire Road, Upton.
Name: Dorothy J Dittmer Mother's Maiden Surname: Brereton Date of Registration: Jan Feb Mar 1922 Registration district: Birkenhead, Cheshire Volume Number: 8a Page Number: 888
Cheshire Birth indexes for the years: 1922 DITTMER Dorothy Joan BRERETON Tranmere, Wirral TRA/143/94
Mum died after suffering from Pancretic Cancer for four months. The final cause of death was a blocked bowel, which caused sickness and stopped her from eating. Inserting a stent was attempted at Arrowe Park hospital on Tuesday 12th August under general anesthetic. However, the tumor was obstructing the dudoneum, so an emergency stomach bypass operation was carried out on the Thursday. After four days, she was able to eat and drink again, but the sucess was short lived, and the bowel blocked again. She stopped eating on the Sunday 2 September and died about 11pm on Tuesday the 4th.
The funeral service was performed by David Nugent, my second cousin.
The note on the coffin top flowers read: A dear mother, aunt, and friend who will be sadly missed by so many. Although departed from this Earth, she will remain in our hearts forever.
In place of flowers, donations to Cancer Research UK at http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/group-giving/JoanMather
General Notes
My mum (Joan) was born 20-Jan-1922. She went to school in Tollimash Road, Birkenhead. They lived at 44 Upper Brassy St. until 1933, when they moved to 37 Devonshire Road, Upton.
When she married Walter, they moved to Town Lane, Bebington, which is where she lived for her entire married life.
Occupation Details
From before 1939 Joan's occupation was Embroideress Tapestry Work.4
From after 1948 her occupation was Domestic Duties in services at 212 Town Lane.
Joan and Wal were married in a religious ceremony on September 10th, 1949 at St. Marys (Upton) by Reverend Harry Leslie Crabb and witnessed by John Mather, E J Turner, Madeline Austin, H Dittmer, E Dittmer.5
Marriage/Union Notes
Name: Dorothy J Dittmer Spouse Surname: Mather Date of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep 1949 Registration district: Birkenhead Registration county (inferred): Cheshire Volume Number: 10a Page Number: 117
They had a son named John. There are no more children.
Family Notes
The Bells Of St. Mary’s Rand For Upton Bride
There was a peal of bells and the choir boys sang at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Upton last Saturday, when Miss Dorothy Joan Dittmer, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs Harry Dittmer, of 37 Devonshire Road, Upton was married to Mr. Walter Mather, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mather of 45 Thompson Street Birkenhead.
The bride, given away by her father, wore a gown of French figured crepe-de-chine, the material being a gift from a friend now living in Singapore. Miss Madeline Austin, friend of the bride, Miss Glennie Brereton, the bride’s cousin, attended as bridesmaids in turquoise gowns with gathered skirts and gathered shoulder capes.
The Rev. H Crabb conducted the service, Mr. John Mather travelled up from Salisbury specially to officiate as best man. Messrs Albert Mather, Harry Dittmer and Arthur Bayley were ushers, organist was Miss Walling.
A powder blue moss crepe dress and jacket with navy blue feathered hat well became the bride’s mother when receiving 107 guests at the Coach and Horses Hotel, Moreton.
The bridegroom’s mother was charming in a blue floral gown and hat of blue chiffon velvet.
John was born on July 29th, 1955 in Clatterbridge Hospital and his christening took place on September 25th, 1955 at Christ Church (Bebington) conducted by the vicar.67 His godfather was Albert Mather and Harry Dittmer and his godmother was Norah Mather.
Birth Notes
Birth was announced in the local paper as follows:
MATHER – July 29 at Clatterbridge to Joan (nee DITTMER), wife of Walter, a son John Graham (caesarean – both well). Thanking all concerned.
How nice of dad to get my name wrong !
Name: John R Mather Mother's Maiden Surname: Ditmer (should be DITTMER) Date of Registration: 25 Aug 1955 Registration district: East Wirral Registration county: Cheshire Volume Number: 10a Page Number: 880
Dated pictures reveal when the Christening took place.
Death Notes
Well I'm not dead yet, but I plan to live till I'm about 85. However, the average age of my father and 5 uncles was 71.