Glenys Pass

We were sad to hear of the passing of Glenys a true Dignity Champion. Glenys was a resident of Davlyn House and as well as being a Dignity Champion in the home she also helped us have a user perspective on several occasion.  We know that her wit and wisdom will be much missed by all who came into contact with her.  May she rest in peace. 

We include the tribute to Glenys that was written for her funeral.

A Tribute to Glenys our very own Dignity Champion

We first met Glenys 10 years ago when she came to "try residential care." It didn’t take long for us to realise what a remarkable woman she was.

Before that, Glenys had lived independently in the village she loved. She had been a devoted daughter and sister, caring for her father and brother, Billy, for many years until they both sadly passed away. Glenys showed immense strength during that time—particularly in her fight with social services to keep Billy at home. Her determination paid off, and they remained together until his passing.

Glenys had a deep love for her early life on the smallholding on Woodhouse Lane. She would often reminisce about life on the farm, recalling it with such warmth and fondness.

After Billy's death, Glenys continued to live independently with the help and unwavering support of her dear friend and neighbour, Ann. Ann’s family—Robert, Mandy, Darryl, Matt, Toby, Shawn, Lorraine, and many others—welcomed Glenys into their hearts as one of their own. She was always included in family gatherings, especially the cherished Christmas parties. Glenys would often laugh as she shared stories about those festive times, particularly memories of Nana Mary.

Glenys truly lived life to the fullest. Whether it was taking a ride in a horse and cart, flying in a helicopter, or exploring new places like Rome and Wales, she embraced every opportunity for adventure. Her zest for life was inspiring.

She attended the Day Centre in Leek, where she made lifelong friends and learned new skills, she was incredibly proud of. Robert became a particularly special friend, keeping in close contact through visits and phone calls. She also met Janet during this time, a friendship that endured through the years.

Glenys was also supported by another Anne, her personal assistant, who helped her maintain her independence for several  years before she moved into Davlyn. Even after Glenys no longer needed that support, Anne continued to visit—a testament to the strong bond they shared.

When Glenys decided to move into residential care, she brought with her a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. She completed numerous courses and celebrated each achievement with pride.

One cause especially close to her heart was Dignity. Glenys became a Dignity Champion and even appeared in a national video campaign to raise awareness and promote respect for vulnerable people. She was passionate about ensuring everyone was treated with kindness and respect, values shaped by her own experiences. In her role, Glenys even participated in staff interviews at Davlyn. Her favourite question was always: “Does she take sugar?”—a pointed reminder that people should be spoken to directly, not talked over. It was her way of advocating for the dignity of every individual.

Despite challenges with her sight, a learning difficulty and health challenges, Glenys never let anything hold her back. With the help of Sue Glenys thoroughly started to enjoy knitting, creating blankets for fellow residents, dogs’ homes, homeless charities, and even pouches for orphaned kangaroos and wallabies affected by bushfires in Australia. She later knitted for the Special Care Baby Unit and even made a very long scarf for the director of Davlyn. Glenys was generous to a fault, always remembering birthdays and celebrations with cards and gifts, often with the help of staff.

Her faith was another guiding light in her life. She was a valued member of her village church and choir, and a memorable occasion was when Glenys and Janet H sang Edelweiss as a duet in a Choir concert. The Village church was very important to her gave her a strong sense of belonging and community.

In recent years, Glenys faced ongoing health challenges, attending many hospital appointments—often with Carol by her side. Even these trips were turned into joyful excursions, with stops at the chip shop, for coffee or even to visit old friends. In the final months of her life, as her health declined, Glenys faced it all with courage and dignity. During her last week, she decided it was time to rest. Surrounded by those she loved, she found comfort in familiar voices, gentle visits, and the music of her favourite singer, Daniel O’Donnell.

If we were to sum up Glenys in just a few words, they would be: Determined, Passionate, Joyful, Loyal, Kind, and Dignified. She constantly strove to be the best version of herself—and always looked for the best in others.

We each carry our own special memories of Glenys. For the past 10 years, we were lucky to have her in our lives. She made a lasting difference to everyone who knew her, and her legacy of kindness, courage, and compassion will remain with us always.