'An absolute inspiration': Tributes pour in for religious sister who taught generations of children at a Birstall school for more than 40 years
Tributes have been paid to a long-serving teacher and religious sister who was part of community life in Birstall for more than 60 years.
Sister Shirley Dobbins, better known to many as Sister Gemma, taught generations of children at St Patrick's Primary School over the years and remained a much-loved part of the parish.
Hundreds of people, including former colleagues and pupils, gathered for a memorial mass at St Patrick's Church on Friday, July 31 to celebrate her life.
Born in Shirley, Birmingham, in 1937, she felt the calling to religious life at the age of 19.
She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle in Selly Park, Birmingham, in August 1956.
After making her vows in March 1958, her first appointments were in Girlington and Kidderminster, where she helped in the primary schools until she went for teacher training at St Paul’s College, Newbold Revel.
Her first teaching appointment saw her arrive at St Patrick's in Birstall in the early 1960s.
In 1972 she became the school's head teacher, a role she held until she retired in 2003.
She had a genuine interest in the education and personal development of the children and was held in high regard by pupils, staff, parents and the wider parish family.
Former colleagues have been paying their own tributes to Sister Gemma following her death at the age of 88.
One said: “Sister Gemma was not just a head teacher or a boss, she was an inspiration to the whole family and a true friend.”
Another said: “Her deeply religious but no nonsense approach to life, wry sense of humour and caring nature will be remembered with fondness and gratitude.”
A former colleague described her as “a strong woman with a gentle, guiding hand” while another said she created “a living, loving and vibrant community at St Patrick’s School”.
Another recalled Sister Gemma as “a woman who would always welcome you with a smile and a hug and always had your best interests at heart”, adding: “ Her years of experience and positive vibes filled a room. She was full of love and affection.”
Reflecting on her life, a former colleague said: “We were blessed and so lucky that Sister Gemma’s life path brought her to Birstall. What a woman and what a life.
“So many people in Birstall have stopped and told me how sad they feel that they have lost a friend. She touched and changed the lives of so many, too many to count, but each person remembered, always.
“We are the better people for her love, care, thoughtfulness and devotion to our school and parish.
“Her gentle and caring ways have made people realise that goodness is such a great virtue.”
After her retirement, Sr Gemma became the Vicar for Religious in the Leeds Diocese, and also served as the co-ordinator for the Wakefield Partnership of Catholic Schools.
She devoted the rest of her life to the parish of Birstall, as well as enjoying her love of nature and gardening.