Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors

Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors 

The legacy of Dorothy Waterhouse

In a field often dominated by tradition, Dorothy Waterhouse is someone who brought both compassion and quiet strength to her work as a funeral director. With a steady presence and a deep respect for the stories each life leaves behind, she guided families through one of their most vulnerable times. Her role stretched beyond logistics and formalities—she could be part counselor, part organizer, and part guardian of memory.

Her journey into funeral services was shaped by a desire to serve others at their most difficult moments, combining professional knowledge with a gift for listening. Whether arranging ceremonies that honor cultural rituals, managing the practical details behind the scenes, or simply sitting in silence with grieving families, she carried out her work with dignity and care.

For Dorothy, being a funeral director was not only about endings—it’s about creating space for love, legacy, and closure and getting it right for the deceased and the family.

Read our interview to find out more about the narrative of this fascinating local woman.

Dorothy’s legacy started with her father and grand-father in Burwash. Back in 1926 when each village would have its own undertaker – Mr Findlayson, publican of The Bear Inn, was responsible for taking care of the deceased of the area. It was common for it to be a part-time role. It was working as a carpenter for Mr Findlayson which included making coffins that provided the training and opportunity to learn the trade for her father who established what became the family business – C.Waterhouse & Sons

As a young woman Dorothy was immediately drawn to the business when her Mother died in the early 1960s, she had been working as a nurse at the time, but she gave that up to become more involved. Partly through a sense of duty and not wanting to let her father down and partly the circumstances. She cut her teeth on laying out bodies, and became involved with coroners work and with the Police.

“I think people often wondered what they were getting when they saw me, a young woman in a fairly male dominated work environment. But I worked hard and established myself.” explained Dorothy.

Stepping into her father’s shoes in 1987

When her father died in 1987 she had already been in charge of the business for many years and this enabled her to fully step into his shoes and take on what she describes as a vocation – in some cases looking after many generations of loss. Dorothy had a prominent role in the business up until just after lockdown. She described how hard the work was 365 days a year and 24/7 and how she embraced the changes in funeral requirements and the less religious formula approach which means the funeral director has to be able to suggest and co-ordinate many more elements than previously. The rise of crematoriums offering fully streamed funerals and a choice of music and religious and non-faith services has revolutionised the options. But no matter the brief, she always made it her priority to ensure that everyone had a good day, which may seem unlikely, but Dorothy explained:

” I have always tried to support the choices of the bereaved with sensitivity and to ensure that whatever shape the funeral takes it is conducted professionally with regard to logistics and minimising any possible events. For example – we have four-wheel drive vehicles to ensure that no matter the weather we can fulfil our obligations. I find that the hard work put in before the actual funeral helps to make it a good day.”

Lockdown tragedy for Dorothy

Sadly, for Dorothy, when her own husband died when lockdown started she had no opportunity for a service and had to go straight home alone which was extremely difficult. It has made her appreciate the real value of a ‘good day’ to assist in part of the grieving journey.

Key advice

She also advises people to meet up before the funeral service at the chapel of rest to have a chance to see the coffin in preparation for the day. It can often be overwhelming when the coffin arrives on the day. She also counselled that children should be given the opportunity to be involved as it helps them grieve the loss too.

Dorothy’s reflection

Looking back Dorothy commented:

” It’s good to see women leading funeral businesses and the rise of celebrants and ministers who are also women. But really it should be about the best person for the job. I felt uniquely placed, like a family friend, to help people before death with their wishes and afterwards supporting the family. I am happily retired now focusing on my dogs, gardening, family and friends. Most of all I feel honoured to have worked in the profession and to have hopefully made difficult times a bit better for people.”

C.Waterhouse is celebrating its centenary at the end of the year. Heathfield Funeral Service is also now part of the business. It is run by Clare and David Reece-Jones. Clare is Dorothy’s daughter and she continues to fly the family flag for the business.

Contact details: Heathfield – 01435-862648 funerals@heathfieldfunerals.co.uk