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| 31 Jan 2025 | |
| Written by Em Hayes | |
| In Memoriam |
Unfailingly cheerful and friendly, she was one of the most generous spirited people who always wanted to help and support her pupils and colleagues.
She joined Downe House in 1964 as a visiting piano teacher when her father, who was Rector at Yattendon, was the school’s Chaplain. Sheuickly became a full-time member of the Music Department and in 1970 she was appointed Assistant Director of Music and Head of the Junior School.
Within the Music Department, besides teaching classes, she also gave individual piano, singing and violin lessons, accompanied choirs, helped with operas and musicals, and was the conductor of the Second Orchestra.
Her funeral was held at St Peter & St Paul Church, Yattendon. Musicians from Downe House joined the family to celebrate her life, singing For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter with organ accompaniment by one of her colleagues.
Her contribution in the junior houses, her encouragement and nurturing of pupils’ musical talent and the kindness and care she showed to all the girls she knew, endeared her to generations of Downe House pupils.
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