Doreen, Baroness Miller of Hendon MBE JP, MA

We had been invited to join the event by Henry,  Doreen’s husband, to represent all the members of Attend who she had worked with as both Chairman and Vice president. As is customary, Catherine and I were on either side of the Prayer Hall. The service was almost entirely in Hebrew. Fortunately we had orders of service with a translation. As I reflected I was particularly taken by the appropriateness of the passage below:

‘Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so the he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it: and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

My thoughts were:

How much Henry loved, respected and appreciated Doreen in life, and that continues now. How proud he is of her, and her achievements. That Doreen worked hard, and was a successful business woman. That she was recognised for her contribution to public life.

People were grateful to Doreen for the individual help she had given them.

She had a well-kept home, and was respected by her household. Her children and grandchildren loved and missed her.

Speaking to Henry, I gather that this wasn’t Doreen’s favourite text, because she felt it may encourage a patronising attitude to women. However equally she does deserve both praise and recognition for the virtuous woman she was. 

David M Wood OBE BA (Hons) AKC Chartered FCIPD MInstF MBIFM

Chief Executive