Former mayoress who dedicated her life to teaching dies
AFORMER mayoress of Rochdale who dedicated her life to educating children has died.
Elaine Dutton, 64, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, after being diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year.
Elaine and her husband, Councillor Ray Dutton were the mayoress and mayor of Rochdale until May.
During their time in office, one of their chosen charities was Springhill Hospice, and it was thanks to the charity’s At Home team and Routes Healthcare that Elaine was able to fulfil her last wish to pass away at home.
Teacher Elaine was born in Oldham and grew up in Middleton, before marrying Ray in 1975 and moving to Heywood.
She began her career in 1974 at Alkrington Primary School and later worked as a supply teacher in Rochdale when the couple’s children Sarah and Michael were small.
She went back to the profession permanently in 1984 as a teacher at Alderman Kay Special School, where she eventually became deputy head.
Ten years ago she became deputy head of the special school at Springside with Hamer in Rochdale.
Both her children followed in her footsteps to become teachers.
Elaine retired three years ago and as well as spending time with her grandchildren, she devoted a lot of time to community organisations.
She volunteered with the Rainbows, was a church warden at St Margaret’s Church in Heywood and the couple had also recently joined the Heywood Lions.
The pair also loved to travel together, and went on more than 40 cruises in their spare time.
Ray said: “She was devoted to education, especially special education needs children. She was devoted to children.
“She was always a giver, never a taker.
“She brought a radiant smile to every room.”
Rochdale Council lowered the town hall’s flags to half mast on Friday, in Elaine’s honour.
Elaine’s funeral service will be held at St Margaret’s Church on Heys Lane in Heywood, this Friday at 9.45am. It was Elaine’s wish for ladies to wear hats or fascinators in the church.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held at Rochdale town hall from 11.45am.
‘She brought a radiant smile to every room’