Sister Dora facts for kids
Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison, known to many as Sister Dora (born January 16, 1832 – died December 24, 1878), was a special nurse in the 1800s. She was also a Christian nun who dedicated her life to helping sick people in Walsall, Staffordshire, England. She became famous for her kindness and bravery, especially during difficult times.
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Sister Dora's Early Life
Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison was born in Hauxwell, Yorkshire. She was one of twelve children. Her father was a reverend. In 1860, after her mother passed away, Dorothy received some money. This allowed her to leave home. From 1861 to 1864, she worked as a teacher. She ran a village school in Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire.
Becoming a Nurse and Nun
In late 1864, Dorothy decided to join a group of Christian women. They were called the "Christ Church sisterhood" or "Good Samaritans." This group later became known as the Community of the Holy Rood. In 1866, she became a novice nun and was given the name Sister Dora. She was sent to Walsall Cottage Hospital to work as a nurse. From that moment on, she spent the rest of her life caring for others.
Working in Walsall Hospitals
Sister Dora arrived in Walsall on January 8, 1865. She worked at the Cottage Hospital at The Mount until 1875. That year, Walsall was hit by a terrible disease called smallpox. Sister Dora bravely worked for six months at a special hospital set up just for smallpox patients. This hospital was in Deadman's Lane (now Hospital Street). She treated thousands of people during this dangerous time.
For the last two years of her life, she worked at the hospital in Bridgeman Street. This hospital was near the South Staffordshire Railway. Sister Dora became very close friends with the railway workers. These workers often got hurt in accidents because their jobs were dangerous. They loved and respected her so much. They even gave her a pony and a carriage. They also collected £50 from their own wages. This money helped her visit patients who were too sick to leave their homes.
Sister Dora's Final Years and Legacy
In 1877, Sister Dora was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued to work and help others as much as she could. She passed away on Christmas Eve in 1878, when she was 46 years old.
A Town Mourns Sister Dora
Her funeral was held on December 28. The entire town of Walsall came out to say goodbye. Eighteen railwaymen, including engine drivers and porters, carried her coffin. She was buried in Queen Street Cemetery. Her death was a great loss to the community she served so well.
Sister Dora's Lasting Impact
Sister Dora left a big mark on Walsall and beyond. Many things were named in her honor:
- Trains: Several trains were named after her. The London & North Western Railway named a passenger locomotive "Sister Dora." A miniature version of this train ran at the Walsall Steam Railway. Another train, a British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotive, was also named after her.
- Hospitals: The old Walsall General Hospital was renamed Walsall General (Sister Dora) Hospital. Even though much of it has changed, her name lives on. The outpatient department at Walsall Manor Hospital is called the Sister Dora Outpatients Department. There is also a mental health hospital in Walsall named 'Dorothy Pattison Hospital'.
- Memorials: In 1882, a beautiful stained glass window was placed in St. Matthew's Church in Walsall to remember her. In 1886, a statue of Sister Dora was put up in Walsall. A painting of her is kept at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
- Other Tributes: A tram on the Midland Metro was named in her honor. A road in the village where she taught, Woolstone, Milton Keynes, is called Pattison Lane. Streets like Sister Dora Gardens and Dora Street in Walsall are also named after her. A building at the Walsall Campus of the University of Wolverhampton also carries her name.
Images for kids
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Statue of Sister Dora, Walsall town centre
