Dora Helen Mary Paine (1899 – 1960)

Dora Helen Mary Paine was born on 6 March 1899 in Old Charlton in Kent, the daughter of George Sidney and Mary Bourne, nee Tomes, Paine.

In the 1901 census Dora was recorded living with her parents, brothers John, Stanley, Wilfred and Eric and 3 servants at 186 Eglinton Road in Plumstead. Her father George was a draper.

Ten years later in the 1911 census the family had moved to Newbury and were living at Merlindale, 44 Howard Road. Dora was recorded with her parents George and Mary along with six brothers, John Sidney aged 20, Stanley Herbert aged 18, Wilfred George aged 16, Eric Charles aged 15, Leonard Ernest aged 8 and Maurice William aged 5. There was also a general domestic servant living in the house. George was a hosier running his own business and the three eldest sons were assisting him while Eric was a chemist’s apprentice.

Dora was still living at 44 Howard Road in 1921 along with her parents and four of her brothers, her occupation was recorded as home duties. Her father George was a clothier based at 21 Northbrook Street, assisted by his sons John and Maurice while another son Leonard was an apprentice ironmonger.

When the national register was compiled in September 1939 Dora was still living at 44 Howard Road in 1921 along with her widowed mother Mary and three of her brothers, her occupation was recorded as unpaid domestic duties. Her brothers John and Maurice were both recorded as gents outfitters while her brother Wilfred was incapacitated.

In 1957 Dora’s brother Maurice was elected as mayor of Newbury and Dora served as the mayoress during his year of duty.

Dora died on 17 July 1960 aged 61 while living at 44 Howard Road. and she was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 21 July. She left a will and probate was granted on 14 December 1960 at Oxford to her brother William George Paine. The value of the estate was £3,941 17s 7d.

Dora’s parents George Sidney Paine and Mary Bourne Paine were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 11 April 1928 and 12 October 1945 respectively. Dora’s brother John Sidney Paine was buried at Newtown Road on 24 October 1969.

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