A FORMER Proud of Barnsley winner who despite her own health problems spent much of her life caring for her ill daughter has died, aged 87.
Former Proud of Barnsley winner Sybil Davey, of Rock Mount, Hoyland, died at Barnsley Hospital last Friday.
Despite having suffered strokes and a heart attack, Sybil looked after her daughter Lorraine, who has Down Syndrome and dementia, at home. It was only in July last year that Sybil bowed to the inevitable and moved Lorraine to a care home.
Sybil was named Carer of the Year in 2016 but was unable to collect her award because she was caring for Lorraine.
Sybil’s son Terry, 55, of Doncaster, said: “Mum was very social, she had lots of friends and loved to dance. She liked to see her friends and family, and was very gregarious.
“She spent a good chunk of her life caring for Lorraine and fighting for her with different services.”
Sybil was originally from Hoyland but went to London as a young woman to work as a bus conductor. She met her husband, John Davey, known as Jack, and the couple had Terry and Lorraine, now 53.
She later moved back to Hoyland to be closer to her family. Sybil worked as a petrol pump attendant for a couple of years before working as a higher clerical officer in the NHS. She organised various clinics and scans, and retired in the early 90s. She then dedicated her time to caring for Lorraine.
Sybil was part of a group of friends who called themselves the ‘golden girls.’’They enjoyed trips out to places such as Blackpool and York, and went shopping together.
Her husband Jack died about 13 years ago.
Sybil leaves Terry and Lorraine, who is expected to remain in the care home, and a grandson, Jack, 17.
Sybil’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at 4.10pm at Ardsley Crematorium.
