Mrs Doyle passed away on April 20, aged 94, and was farewelled at her beloved St Joseph’s Church two days later.

She was born Elsie Anselm Drummond at Cessnock Hospital on August 29, 1921.

She was the eldest child of Viva and Frank Drummond, with her sister Carol born two years later.

Her father died suddenly in 1930 and the family moved to Armidale to live with family.

On their return to Cessnock they lived at Allandale Road, then in 1935 the family moved to Cumberland Street, right near the Catholic presbytery, where the Drummond girls were regularly called upon to assist the Priests and Sisters.

The Parish community of St. Joseph’s became a life-long commitment for Mrs Doyle. 

She married Basil ‘Doc’ Doyle in 1956, and the couple – by coincidence – took up residence in Doyle Street, Cessnock.

Mr and Mrs Doyle served the church together for many years.

After Doc’s death from cancer in 1985, Elsie continued her work for both the church and the Cessnock community.

She gave service to the War Widows’ Guild, the Laurel Club, the Lantern Club, Tidy Towns, Anzac Day and Australia Day celebrations and Meals on Wheels, often delivering meals to people 15 years and more her junior.

Her outstanding qualities were recognised by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, when he bestowed on her an Apostolic Blessing, in August 2006 for many years of faithful ministry and service to the people of St. Joseph’s Parish, Cessnock.​

In July 2007, Mrs Doyle became the first woman to be made a Freeman of the City of Cessnock, in recognition of her life-long commitment to the service of others in her local church, and the wider community.

“It is a CV that anybody would be proud of. But in Elsie’s humble way, she did it all in her stride,” her friend Leanne Lacey said.

Mrs Doyle lived in Doyle Street until February 2009 and spent the remainder of her years at Westhaven.