Rhoda Plomer, a former auxiliary nurse at Arbroath Infirmary and a great supporter of cricket in the town, has died aged 90.
Before her nursing career, Rhoda worked at the playgroup at St John’s Methodist Church, and also at Nomie Shepherd’s fish shop in Westport.
She was born at 50 Guthrie Port, Arbroath, one of 12 children of John and Helen Russell. Her siblings, Sheila, Duncan and Earl survive her.
When she left school, Rhoda began work delivering morning rolls and then worked in a shoe shop in Arbroath.
She then spent 10 years as a housekeeper at St Andrews University.
Love of cycling
Rhoda would often cycle to Dundee, take the ferry across the Tay and cycle on to work in St Andrews. She retained a love of cycling throughout her life and only gave up well into her 80s because of failing eyesight.
At St Andrews, Rhoda met her future husband, Londoner Chris Plomer, who was studying at the university.
They married at Dundee registrar’s office and had four children, Pauline, Lesley, Christopher and Stephen.
Chris Plomer, MBE, was a noted cricket coach, and died earlier this year aged 95.
When the couple set up home in Arbroath, Chris began teaching at Hayshead Primary School, moved to Ladyloan and then settled on the staff at Timmergreens, where he coached the team to be UK Kwik Cricket champions.
Health service
After her family had gone to school, Rhoda trained as an auxiliary nurse at Arbroath where she worked until her retiral in 1992.
She was also a keen darts player at the Skate Inn and Arbroath cricket club and won competitions at county level.
Rhoda was a big tennis fan and went to major tournaments including Wimbledon and the American Open.
However, she was happiest watching her grandsons play cricket at Arbroath, all over the UK, and in Jersey and Holland.
Tribute
Her daughter, Pauline, said: “Mum made regular visits to the cricket club where she enjoyed sitting with her friends in what was called Grannies’ Corner and enjoyed the famous cricket club tea.
“She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. She was one in a million.”
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