Dorothy was a well-known and much-loved figure across Rossendale. Throughout her life, she dedicated her time, energy and unwavering passion to a wide range of community organisations and initiatives, always striving to improve the lives of those around her. Her commitment to helping others left a lasting and meaningful mark across the Valley.

A Vision Born in 1986

In 1986, at a time when specialist end-of-life care within the community was extremely limited, Dorothy co-founded Rossendale Hospice. What began primarily as a home care service for people living with terminal illness was driven by Dorothy and a small but determined group of women from Soroptimist International. Together, they shared a clear and compassionate vision: to establish a local hospice that would provide high-quality, dignified care free of charge to those who needed it most.

In those early days, Dorothy worked tirelessly as a volunteer. She oversaw the day-to-day running of the hospice, managing administration and finances, while also playing a leading role in fundraising efforts. Her dedication, organisational skills and steadfast belief in the cause were instrumental in ensuring the hospice not only survived but steadily grew.

Through persistent fundraising and increasing community support, sufficient funds were raised to employ the hospice’s first members of staff- a major milestone that reflected Dorothy’s determination and leadership.

From The Bungalow to Today

A significant chapter in the hospice’s history came in 1991 with the opening of its base at ‘The Bungalow’, providing dedicated day care facilities for patients. From those modest beginnings, the hospice has continued to evolve and expand.

Today, based at the Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre, Rossendale Hospice provides a broad range of specialist services. It supports not only patients living with life-limiting illnesses but also families and loved ones navigating the challenges that accompany such diagnoses- a legacy firmly rooted in Dorothy’s original vision of compassionate, community-based care.

A True Inspiration

Christine Durkin, former Vice Chair of Rossendale Hospice, paid tribute:

“Dorothy was a true inspiration within our community. She really did have a heart of gold. She always made those around her laugh and was full of incredible ideas, which she used to help build the foundations of Rossendale Hospice. Dorothy also worked within the wider community with organisations such as Veterans in Communities and the Soroptimists, who remain avid supporters of the Hospice to this day.

She built many valuable relationships over the years, and it is clear she will be missed by so many. Dorothy made a lasting impression on countless people and never sought recognition for the work she did. She was nominated for the Rossendale Hospice ‘Woman of the Year’ award and declined the honour three times before finally agreeing to accept the much-deserved award in 2013. I would like to thank Dorothy for everything she did. It was a privilege to work alongside her for many years.”

Dorothy also worked closely with neighbouring hospices, including Pendleside Hospice, East Lancashire Hospice and Springhill Hospice, reflecting her collaborative spirit and dedication to strengthening hospice care across the wider region.

A Lasting Legacy

Dorothy Mitchell’s vision, compassion and selfless service laid the foundations for what Rossendale Hospice has become today. Her legacy lives on in every patient supported, every family comforted and every life touched by the hospice she helped create.

She will be remembered with immense gratitude, respect and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her.