Voices in the Theatre: Doris Stokes Live at the Dominion
the world of British spiritualism, few figures captured the public…
On Wednesday 17th September 2026, family, friends and members of our church family gathered at Croydon Spiritualist Church to celebrate the life of Mollie Gloria McManus, who passed away on 9th August 2026 at the age of 87. Mollie served as President of Croydon Spiritualist Church for twenty years, from 1998 to 2018, and her warmth, guidance and dedication touched everyone who knew her.
The service was led by Minister David Bruton, who reminded us that while we feel loss because we cared for Mollie, the memories she leaves behind can bring us comfort — and that, as Spiritualists believe, her passing is not an ending but a continuation of life in spirit.
David shared Mollie’s story from her birth in 1938 through to her long involvement with our church. She began her working life at Bass Charrington before moving into the housing department, where in the early 1970s she met her husband Peter. They married around 1975, beginning 51 years together, and went on to build a life that grew to include sons Simon, Howard and Steve. In time, Mollie found her way to Spiritualism and to Croydon Spiritualist Church, where she would go on to serve as President for two decades.
Her brother Jeff spoke movingly of a sister who took on extra family responsibility from a young age — including when their mother was in hospital — and of Mollie’s uncanny ability to seemingly read his mind, recalling how she knew about his registry office wedding plans before he’d even told their mother.
Peter paid tribute both to his own mother, who helped mould him into the man he became through the trials of his school days and the war years, and to Mollie, who stood by his side through 51 years of marriage and every up and down life brought their way.
Her granddaughter Sydney, the eldest of her grandchildren, remembered a devoted grandmother who cared for family through many of life’s ups and downs — from taking in a family cat to always providing a home when one was needed.
David also read a tribute from Pat Seymour, who became a minister under Mollie’s guidance and shared memories of their twenty-year friendship, including Mollie’s steady advice about following the ways of the church.
The service included the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, a reflection on how the years between the dates on a headstone — the “dash” — are what truly matter, and how we choose to live them. It was a fitting choice given Mollie’s lifetime of service to her family and community.
Two hymns were sung during the service:
Music by Frank Sinatra also featured, including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and, to close the service, “My Way” — chosen to reflect Mollie’s independent spirit and her commitment to living life on her own terms.
David spoke of the Seven Principles of Spiritualism that guided Mollie throughout her life:
Following the service at the church, many attendees travelled to Croydon Crematorium for the Committal, again led by David Bruton. Afterwards, the family kindly provided a reception buffet back at the church, where everyone was able to stay, share memories and support one another.
It was a fitting tribute to a much-loved member of our church family.
By the family’s wishes, there were family flowers only, with donations instead going to Parkinson’s UK. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so via the Dignity Funerals donation page, or via the collection box at the church.
