Dorothy loved to sing and would spend many a night strumming her guitar and writing songs. While still helping out on the farm, she started work for Go Ahead Northern as a bus conductress later becoming a bus and coach driver. Sadly in 1987 a year after their daughters marriage to David Wilson Dorothy and Peter separated but remained good friends until the very end. In March 1992 Dorothy married Ernest Wardle Kirkup and moved to Newcastle. In 1990,she became a Grandma to Andrew David Wilson followed in 1994 by Daniel Alan Wilson. 2005 saw son Christopher marry Michelle Hurst. November 2005 Granddaughter Rebecca Dominey was born.