Treasurer Joyce was a tireless lifeboat worker
A FUNDRAISING stalwart for Filey Lifeboat Station has lost her courageous battle with cancer.
Joyce Plows, who was described as a loved and well-respected fund raiser, died peacefully in St Catherine’s Hospice on Thursday February 16.
Mrs Plows dedicated much of her time to the Filey lifeboat station, joining the Filey Ladies Lifeboat Guild in November 1972. She became Guild Treasurer in 1984 and this she continued to do, working tirelessly until her death.
She had several top honours bestowed upon her.
In 1990, following the very sudden death of Bob Mckernan, who at the time was the Treasurer for an appeal fund for a new £450,000 lifeboat, she stepped in as treasurer, for which she received a Royal National Lifeboat Institution plaque for her efforts.
In 1994, Joyce’s work with the RNLI was again acknowledged, when she was awarded the Silver Badge in recognition of her achievement and long service.
And in 2005, her unstinting work and commitment to fundraising for the Filey Ladies Lifeboat Guild was again recognised by the charity and she was awarded the RNLI prestigious Gold Badge, at the Annual Awards Ceremony at York Racecourse.
Filey Ladies Lifeboat Guild Chairman Margaret Taylor said: ‘As Treasurer, Joyce has always worked hard to raise funds and maintain the profile for the RNLI here in Filey. Nothing was too much trouble for her.
“She was a good friend and adviser to all the members of the guild and she will be sadly missed. It is sad that Joyce has died during what is the Ladies Lifeboat Guild’s Diamond Jubilee year.”
Joyce always had the support of husband Mick and over the last few years, her sister Margaret.
Filey RNLI Chair David Wilson said: “Joyce was an outstanding worker for the Filey Lifeboat Station and the RNLI.
“She was very well respected and admired for all her very dedicated work and enthusiasm that she had for the Filey Lifeboat Station.
“As well as being Treasurer for the Ladies Guild she was also a member of the Filey Lifeboat Station Management Group where she played a very important part.
“Joyce will be an extremely difficult person to follow.”
Her funeral took place on February 24 at Octon Crematorium. She leaves behind a husband, Michael, and a sister, Margaret.