Gladys Hood, who made an immense contribution to the welfare of children with disablities in Dundee, has died at the age of 90.
She was president of the Dundee Disabled Children’s Association for 29 years and went on to become the charity’s first honorary life president.
She was also a guide at Glamis Castle and looked after the exhibition of the dolls’ house which is believed to have been the Queen Mother’s when the young Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon grew up on the estate.
Sheena Leadbitter, who is now president of the DDCA, said: “Mrs Hood made a lifelong commitment to the association as our president and honorary lifelong president.
“She made a tremendously positive contribution to the lives of many children with disabilities in Dundee and she will be greatly missed.”
Mrs Hood was born Gladys Ireland and grew up in the family home on Whitehall Crescent. She went to Park Place Primary and Harris Academy, leaving to become a secretary at Don & Stewart, chartered accountants, on Nethergate.
It was there that she met Robert, a young trainee accountant with the firm.
They were married in 1950 and eight years later she began her involvement with the DDCA an organisation formed in 1902 as a result of letters to The Courier inquiring about the care and education of children with disabilities in and around Dundee.
No welfare state provision or educational establishments existed for children with disabilities. A limited service was provided by volunteers.
The association was formed and classes for children were first held at Grey Lodge. In 1906 the council’s education department took over the running of these classes, which eventually led to a school for children with extra support needs in Dundee.
The DDCA continued to provide volunteers to assist children with disabilities for out-of-school activities. The association took on premises in Murraygate and in 2005 moved to the play and activity centre on Lawton Road.
Mrs Hood began with the DDCA as a volunteer and her organisational skills saw her become a council member and then president.
In her spare time she played golf as a member at Blairgowrie and the Dalhousie club, Carnoustie. She also enjoyed bridge. The funeral of Mrs Hood, who is survived by her daughter Jill, takes place at Dundee Crematorium on Wednesday.