Doreen Joan Cantey (Patmore) passed away on April 27, 2022 at the age of 95. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, sister- in -law and aunt to her family. She is survived by her son Paul and wife Linda, son Martin and wife Joanne, and daughters Marianne and Lisa.
She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Sean, Tim, Kelly, Russell, Sam, Adam, and one great grandchild, Kaison. In addition, she had many nieces and nephews in both England and the US.
She was born in London, England on July 21st, 1926.
As a teenager she experienced the nightly bombing of London by huddling in a backyard bomb shelter with her family while constantly worrying about a pending invasion by the Nazis, a life-shaping period of time. During the war, Doreen volunteered for the Red Cross and worked at a local market. She then worked at a department store in London. She was on holiday in Margate, an English seaside town, when she saw two “crazy Yanks” riding on a Rocketship ride repeatedly, drawing an onlooking crowd. When the rides stopped, Airman Roy Cantey stepped off and began to chat with Doreen. They began a long-distance relationship and were married on 8 August 1953. They were a proud US Air Force family, and they raised four children, often while Roy was away stationed on long tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Turkey, away from his family. They also lived in England, Delaware, New York, New Mexico, Okinawa, and North Carolina. After 24 years in the Air Force they retired to Goldsboro, North Carolina. Doreen was a member of the British Wives Club in almost all those locations, and she and Roy were active members of the SJAFB Protestant chapel for many years. An avid letter writer, Doreen maintained friendships near and far and made sure to write to her grandchildren weekly.
Doreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy, her mother, Lillian, father, John, sister, Edna, brothers, Brian and Tony and sister-in-law, Shirley. Doreen’s family wishes to thank Christal Howell, Dolly Bass, Karen Reaves Carter, Becky Smith, Penny Dobbins, Wendy Ellis, the late Edna Hinson, and the late Yvette Epps for providing such warm and loving care to her over the course of the past few years.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 12 p.m. at Eastern Carolina State Veterans’ Cemetery, 164 Long's Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to 3HC Home Hospice, SJAFB Chapel, or Goldsboro WAGES (Meals on Wheels).
The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
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