April 27, 2026 - 225 views
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a much-loved great-grandmother whose simple act of generosity helped lay the foundations for one of Wales’ leading food wholesale businesses.
Dorothy Edwards, affectionately known as “Granny Dot”, has died aged 102, leaving behind a remarkable legacy not only through her large and loving family, but also through the success of Harlech Foodservice.
More than 50 years ago, Dorothy and her husband Harry made a decision that would change their family’s future. In 1972, they loaned £6,000 — equivalent to around £100,000 today — to their daughter Gill and son-in-law Colin Foskett, enabling them to purchase a frozen food shop and wholesale business in Harlech.
That leap of faith proved transformative. What began as a small coastal enterprise has grown into a major family-run company employing around 300 people and supplying pubs, restaurants, schools and hospitals across Wales, the North West, Shropshire and the Midlands.
The business, which has expanded in recent years with new hubs in Carmarthen, Caerphilly and Telford alongside its long-standing bases in Cricieth and Chester, was named UK Food Wholesaler of the Year in 2025.
Paying tribute, Dorothy’s family described her as “one of a kind” who lived a “long and beautiful life”.
Her grandson Andrew, joint chairman of the company, said her early support had been pivotal.
“That loan in 1972 was life-changing,” he said. “It’s fair to say without my grandmother, Harlech Foodservice would simply not exist.
“It was a gamble, but they believed in the opportunity. My grandad always said, ‘if it doesn’t work out, it’s not for the want of trying’ — and that sums up their attitude.”
Despite the company’s growth, Andrew said Dorothy never lost interest in its fortunes, following its progress closely even in her later years.
“She was over the moon about the success and so proud that the business is still family-owned and run,” he added.
Born in 1923 in Shrewsbury, Dorothy moved to Wellington as a child and left school at 14 to begin work. During the Second World War she played her part on the home front, helping manufacture Spitfire parts, while Harry served overseas as an Army gunner in Greece.
The couple married in 1945, reunited after three years apart during the war, and went on to raise six children together.
Dorothy was known for her warmth, humour and creativity. A talented dressmaker and keen craftswoman, she continued sewing for others well into later life. She also played a hands-on role in the family’s funeral business, supporting her husband at all hours.
Andrew remembered her as a woman full of laughter.
“She would often tell stories but laugh so much she couldn’t finish them,” he said. “When her daughters joined in, they’d all be in hysterics — sometimes the stories were never completed.”
Dorothy remained independent into her late 90s before moving in with her daughter Susan, who cared for her until her passing on March 28.
She leaves behind a large family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom continue to play a role in the business she helped bring to life.
A celebration of her life will take place at Telford Crematorium on Friday, May 1 at 2.30pm. Donations are being invited in her memory to the Midlands Air Ambulance.
