Doreen and her husband Walter (Wally) Brown were both Old Godhelmians. They were involved in many activities while at school, but singing and music formed a significant part of their lives. Doreen was Deputy Head Girl in her last year at Godalming Grammar. They moved to France in 1987, initially running a holiday home business. Their home is near Souillac (46-Lot) roughly halfway between Limoges and Cahors. Doreen died suddenly after an accident at home. She and Wally have two sons, Chris and Andy.