Sheila Leach 1932-2021

She lived in the same house all her life, nearby in Teddington, with strong family connections to the area, as her grandfather helped to build the church where her funeral was held, as well as Teddington Memorial Hospital, where she remained a ‘friend’ and supporter.

Sheila was described as “an excellent and enthusiastic pupil” during her time at LEH, where she discovered a passion for Biology.  After leaving school, she trained as a Radiographer at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and worked her way up to running the department.

Stella Stephens, also Class of 1949, says: “Sad news indeed about Sheila.  She was a huge supporter of the Holly Club, so we always saw each other at meet-up days, albeit the summer cheese and wine party or the winter lunch.  She was a very relaxing person to sit at a table with and mull over the old and present times.”

Sheila’s cousin Shirley Kershaw, Class of 1955, also attended LEH and gave the eulogy at her funeral last month, recalling Sheila’s love of singing and her membership of many local choirs, and her great interest and support of nature as well as animal charities. She said: “Sheila was a loyal and enthusiastic lady who put her heart and soul into everything she did and will be remembered fondly by a great many people whose lives she touched.”