Family Pay Tribute after Elderly Woman Died Following Fall on Bus
A family have paid tribute to an elderly woman who sadly died following a fall on a bus in Middlesbrough.
88-year-old Dorothy McLaren got onto the bus on Acklam Road, prior to Green Lane, at around 3.55pm on Tuesday 9th January, when she fell and suffered head injuries.
She was taken to James Cook University Hospital, where she received treatment until she sadly died on Friday 12th January.
Her family have paid tribute to her in a statement, which reads: “Our family sadly has to say goodbye to our lovely ginger biscuit Grandma Dorothy McLaren. She had a happy childhood with her two sisters, and on Valentine’s Day 1953 she married Robert Anthony McLaren, known as Tony to their family and friends at Saint Barnabas Church in Linthorpe, and they were both delighted to receive their Golden Wedding card from the Queen in 2013.
“Dorothy was a loving mother to Ian and David, and her daughter-in-laws Justine and Karen, and was still great friends with her ex-daughter-in-law Janet in Australia. She was exceptionally proud of all her grandchildren and her great grandchildren, Andrew with Kurt and Brandon in Australia, Paul with Niamh and Eva in Texas, Christopher with Louis, Mason Hope and Elise and Anthony with Taylor and Ethan at home here in Middlesbrough.
“Dorothy worked for many years, first in Dock Street at Dorman Long and later for Barclaycard. In retirement she worked voluntarily for Save the Children and James Cook University Hospital Gift Shop.
“She and Tony loved tea dances, holidays, and many days out with their family and friends, they had a very happy marriage, but sadly she lost Tony in 2015. She herself fought cancer and beat it during their last few years together, but with the support and love of her friends and family she managed to build a happy life despite her loss.
“Dorothy was a very fit and active lady, fun days out, Sunday karaoke (Songs of Praise), her keep fit classes and knitting groups with all her friends.
“Her grandchildren and great grandchildren lovingly christened her their ginger biscuit Grandma because they knew that Grandma would always have a tin of beautiful homemade ginger biscuits lovingly baked and waiting for them whenever they visited. Some people may say ‘well Dorothy was lucky, she has had a good life’ and that’s true, but the thing is, Dorothy was still enjoying her good life, surrounded by her loving friends and now heartbroken family, devastated by her loss.”
Police continue their appeal for any witnesses to the incident to contact PC Andy Lawson, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 005056.