She was educated at Swanwick Junior and Infants Schools and then at Mortimer Wilson Comprehensive at Alfreton. She worked for Miller's(Bookbinders) on Quarry Road at Somercotes then for Bill Hunt (Butcher). During the Second World War she worked at Woolworth's in Derby becoming a Supervisor. She then worked at the Co-op at Ripley until becoming pregnant in 1963. After her daughter started school she took the job as midday supervisor at the school and then worked for Butterley Company in the accounts department until retiring in 1985. She was for many years amember of Ripley & Heanor Operatic Society. After retiring volunteered for duties at the Cathedral in Derby and as Steward at Kedleston Hall. She also works in a voluntary capacity at the Derby Play House.