A PENSIONER with a love for vintage cars who became one of the first female embalmers in the country has been reunited with the certificate marking her achievements in the 40s.

Joyce Patterson spent the war years working in Strathmore House Funeral Home in Hartlepool where she trained to work as an embalmer - a trade traditionally reserved for men.

The 91-year-old was awarded the certificate after gaining entry to the British Institute of Embalmers and the pristine framed certificate was found during a recent clear-out of the funeral home’s attic.

She went on to international acclaim, flying all over the world to teach and lecture on the subject of embalming, including being the first woman to address the International Federation of Thanatropractic Associations in Canada, now the Funeral Service Association of Canada.

Mrs Patterson and her husband had a passion for vintage cars, racing many between them, as well as owning two rare Triumph Dolomite prototypes. Many of the couple’s former possessions are now on held by the Beamish Museum, where they are used as examples of living history.

Julie Shield, who is the manager of the Abbeyvale Care Home where the pensioner now lives, said: “In her day, everybody in the area knew Mrs Patterson and held such great respect for her. She would always be finely dressed in her smart jacket and pearls, and drove the most magnificent cars.

“Joyce remains such a character here at Abbeyvale and she still dresses smartly today. She regularly talks about her travels around the world and the job that she loved so much. I’ve spent many a fascinating hour hearing how she used to enjoy making people look pretty, and her technical memory of her career and of her cars, is incredible. She’s delighted to see the certificate again and has asked to have it displayed here at the home.”

Mrs Patterson also held the role of funeral director at the Co-op, when this was the largest funeral business in the country, stretching from Berwick to Scarborough in the north east.

Ronnie Bennett, from RG Bennett Funeral Directors in Blackhall, spoke about his knowledge and esteem for Mrs Patterson. “Joyce is an outstanding lady and in her day as chief executive of the Co-op funeral homes, of which she was in charge of 36, she was incredibly highly regarded. She broke boundaries in the funeral industry and carved a new opening for women. Having studied under her, I feel very privileged.”

Mrs Patterson will be celebrating her 92nd birthday on Tuesday (April 19) with friends and cake at the home in Blackhall, near Hartlepool.