Sunderland Empire's stunning tribute to leading light Dorothy Cansfield after tragic sudden death aged 63

The theatre’s magnificent tower has been illuminated following the sudden death of Dorothy Cansfield, who had been a mainstay of the front of house team for almost a decade.

Dorothy passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 63 and a picture of the tribute has now been posted on the Empire’s Facebook page, alongside a statement from management which says: “Dorothy was a devoted friend and valued colleague to all the team here.

"She was always full of laughter and joy and we will miss her terribly. Since hearing the news our doors have become filled with flowers and tributes to Dorothy - a huge testament to how loved she was by so many.”

Dorothy leaves two son’s Ben and Laurie. Laurie said the family had been overwhelmed by the response to Dorothy’s passing and especially the tribute from the Empire: “It makes me so proud that this nationally-famous building has been lit up in memory of my mother,” he said.

"It is just wonderful.”

Dorothy followed in family footsteps when she joined the Empire – her grandfather Charles Smart was a projectionist there, while grandmother Mary Ann was a cleaner – and Laurie said it was the culmination of a life-long love affair with the theatre and performing arts.

"My girlfriend and I pretty much press-ganged her into applying when the vacancy was advertised because it was the perfect job,” he said .

"Some of the family are from London and during the 60s, she was always up and down between Sunderland and London – she always loved the theatre and musicals and she just loved working at the Empire. It was the whole environment.

"She had such a big heart and lust for life, she loved all the friendships she made there.”

Empire deputy customer experience manager Matty Hutchinson said Dorothy had been a one-off: “Dorothy was the living embodiment of love, care, generosity, kindness and compassion, a massive bubble of joy and energy that could pick anyone up when they were down.

"She lit up the room whenever she was there. I have never met anyone as loving and supportive as she was,” he said.

"She has left a huge void in my life and the lives of so many others which will never again be filled. She brought laughter and life to so many.

"If she taught us anything it was to live life to the fullest. Don’t shy away. Be your authentic self and love and be kind always.

"She will be missed terribly but her memory will always live on at the Empire and she will never ever be forgotten.”

Matty has started a Go Fund Me page to provide a memorial bench at Ryhope Engines Museum, the place she met her late husband Raymond - who passed away 12 years ago - and partner Keith Bell.

"After Raymond’s passing and my wife’s death a good few years ago, we got together,” said Keith.

"It was a second chance of love that has unfortunately been snuffed out all too soon."

Keith himself worked at the Empire in the 90s and has been taken aback by the reaction to Dorothy’s death: “I have never seen anybody there who got this kind of response,” he said.

The fund-raising page had a target of £500, but has already raised almost £3,000 and the family will be donating any left-over funds to charities close to Dorothy’s heart.

As well as Keith and Laurie, Dorothy is survived by son Ben and his children Melissa, Bethany and Adam.

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