'The brightest star in the sky' - Beautiful floral display left outside Sunderland Empire in tribute to staff member Dorothy Cansfield

The entrance to the Sunderland Empire Theatre has been filled with flowers as the city mourns the loss of leading light Dorothy Cansfield.
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Dorothy, who had been a mainstay of the theatre’s front of house team for nearly a decade, sadly passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 10, at the age of 63.

Since then tributes have poured in from across the community for the much-loved staff member who has been remembered by the theatre as a ‘devoted friend and valued colleague.’

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Sunderland Empire's stunning tribute to leading light Dorothy Cansfield after tr...
Floral tributes have been left outside of the Empire Theatre in memory of staff member Dorothy CansfieldFloral tributes have been left outside of the Empire Theatre in memory of staff member Dorothy Cansfield
Floral tributes have been left outside of the Empire Theatre in memory of staff member Dorothy Cansfield
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The Empire’s magnificent tower was illuminated following news of her death and on Monday the entrance of the theatre was packed with floral tributes.

Beautifully arranged, the bright and colourful bouquets carried messages that show how loved Dorothy was in the city.

One message called the mum-of-two the ‘brightest star in the sky,’ while another read ‘you will stay in my heart forever.’

A tribute from the Sunderland Empire Theatre's management, shared on its Facebook page, said: “Dorothy was a devoted friend and valued colleague to all the team here.

The beautiful floral tributes left in memory of Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.The beautiful floral tributes left in memory of Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.
The beautiful floral tributes left in memory of Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.
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"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 followed in family footsteps when she joined the Empire Theatre staff – her grandfather Charles Smart was a projectionist there, while grandmother Mary Ann was a cleaner.

Mum to son’s Ben and Laurie, Dorothy met her late husband Raymond - who passed away 12 years ago – at Ryhope Engines Museum.

Dorothy Cansfield pictured with partner Keith Bell (top photo) and with sons  Ben and Laurie. The Empire Theatre was illuminated in bright colours in memory of Dorothy after her sudden death.Dorothy Cansfield pictured with partner Keith Bell (top photo) and with sons  Ben and Laurie. The Empire Theatre was illuminated in bright colours in memory of Dorothy after her sudden death.
Dorothy Cansfield pictured with partner Keith Bell (top photo) and with sons Ben and Laurie. The Empire Theatre was illuminated in bright colours in memory of Dorothy after her sudden death.
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She leaves behind her partner Keith Bell, who also worked at the Empire in the 90s, along with her two sons and grandchildren Melissa, Bethany and Adam.

Any left-over funds to charities close to Dorothy’s heart.

Son Laurie said the family had been overwhelmed by the response to Dorothy’s passing and especially the tribute from the Empire.

Floral tributes left for Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.Floral tributes left for Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.
Floral tributes left for Sunderland Empire staff member Dorothy Cansfield.

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