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Tributes paid to Sombra Patrick, former owner of Diss Wool Shop




Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a woman who loved her community and brought a flair for design and colour to her town.

Sombra Patrick, who died at Walcot Hall Nursing Home in Diss on March 25 at the age of 95, was well-known in the town, having owned Diss Wool Shop with her husband, Bert, from 1961 to 2000.

Daughter Jill Tebble described her mother as being a stickler for routine and tidiness, but someone who possessed a real eye for detail.

Sombra and Bert Patrick ran Diss Wool Shop for the best part of 40 years.
Sombra and Bert Patrick ran Diss Wool Shop for the best part of 40 years.

“She loved a very neat and tidy shop as it was her pride and joy,” said Mrs Tebble, who would lend a hand alongside her two siblings in the family-run business.

“Her attention to detail and flair for design and colour was always evident.

“She had a talent for window dressing, which won many competitions, and we had quite a reputation, with people regularly coming from all over the country to visit us.”

Having previously run Quidenham Post Office before taking over the wool shop, Mrs Patrick would
organise fashion shows in The Corn Hall, at Diss Golf Club and in local village halls for WI groups.

She was also a keen supporter of Diss Church of England Junior School, supplying balls of orange wool, which would be woven into hats for each pupil to make them easy to identify, when they made their annual trip to Minehead.

Away from her day job, Mrs Patrick was a keen member of Diss Golf Club, where she enjoyed a nearly 60 year association, serving as its ladies captain in 1976, before being made an honorary member.

“When she could not play anymore, she helped with fundraising for the club,” said Mrs Tebble. “She did this up until last April at the age of 94.

“Serving her community was a massive thing for her and she loved the town.”

Current club captain David Leeder said: “Sombra was a well-respected and active member of the ladies’ section, until recently still helping with fundraising and a regular attendee of the ladies past captains and Christmas lunches.

“Each year, the club presents the Patrick salvers, which was kindly donated by Sombra and Bert to the winners of the Diss Mixed Open.

“Sombra will be greatly missed by us all. Diss Golf Club sends its condolences to all of Sombra’s family and friends.”

Her daughter said the family had received so many wonderful messages of support since her mother’s death at the end of last month.

“We would like to thank everyone who has got in contact and shared their memories of mum,” she said.

“We have really appreciated all the kind words.”

Mrs Patrick leaves behind three daughters, Jill, Alyson and Ann, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will be held in St Andrew’s Church in Quidenham on Monday, April 28, at 1.45pm.

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