Tributes paid to Lady Bemrose after she dies aged 100

By [jbirkin] jonny birkin jbirkin@derbytelegraph.co.uk

A POPULAR centenarian who dedicated her time to steering the careers of talented young musicians has died.

Lady Margaret Bemrose, who toasted her 100th birthday in May last year, passed away on Monday after spending Christmas with her family.

She was married to the late industrialist Sir Max Bemrose, who owned Derby printing firm Bemrose and Son, which employed hundreds of people across the city.

After her husband's death 20 years ago, Lady Bemrose set up the Bemrose Bursary Recital Scheme, an annual award given to talented music students just starting out in their studies.

Her dedication to helping young musicians was rewarded at a classical music concert in her honour, part of her birthday celebrations last year.

Lady Bemrose's daughter, Paddi Cunningham, paid tribute to her mother, calling her one of Derbyshire's most respected figures.

The 64-year-old said: "My mother was a very gracious woman who absolutely adored her family.

"She thought the world of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she had just spent Christmas surrounded by them, which was lovely.

"She was an accomplished singer and a talented violinist and musician and she just loved helping others.

"I think she would want to be remembered for that. She was a tremendous public supporter and always wanted to help people out.

"She has been a very big part of our lives for such a long time and, especially on family occasions, I think we will feel a big void without her."

Mrs Cunningham, who teaches music in Manchester, said Lady Bemrose's secret to a long life was keeping active.

She said: "Mum loved the outdoors. She loved walking her dogs and she enjoyed spending time in her garden.

"Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a joy to her and I think all of these things kept her very fit and healthy."

Lady Bemrose is survived by her son, Tony, 69, who lives in Australia, daughter Paddi, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her youngest great-grandchild, Maxwell, who was named after Sir Max, was 99 years her junior.

Mrs Cunningham added that Lady Bemrose, who lived in Hazelwood, near Duffield, took her duties at her husband's side very seriously, which helped her to develop into such a popular public figure.

During her life, she was introduced to many important figures, including the Queen, Princess Margaret and Prime Ministers Harold MacMillan and Margaret Thatcher. She was a passionate fund-raiser, working to raise money for a number of charities, including the Red Cross and the Samaritans.

Lady Bemrose also followed in her mother-in-law's footsteps as President of the Derby Ladies' Luncheon Club.

Her funeral takes place on Thursday, with a public thanksgiving service at St John's Church, Hazelwood, from 3pm.