Mary was a pupil at LEH from the age of eight to 18, very much enjoying her school days, before training as a speech and language therapist. Her first job was at the White Lodge centre for children with cerebral palsy. She found it so rewarding that she dedicated her career to working with very disabled babies and young children, helping mainly with feeding and communication skills.

Mary met Malcolm, her husband to be, at the Baptist Church in Walton-on-Thames. Malcolm recalls: “What a happy wedding day. Mary was an exceptionally beautiful and radiant bride – sparkling with happiness and joy.” They were married for 43 years.

Malcolm adds: “Mary had such a lovely, gentle and kind nature and was a very godly character. There was a cheerfulness, a warmth and an attractive personality which I found very winsome, and which touched many folks.”

Mary enjoyed entertaining and excelled at home-baking and sewing, often making the children’s clothes when they were younger.  A keen traveller, she was an excellent swimmer and loved reading, word games and crafts.

Malcolm concludes “I have lost a lovely and loyal wife, I have lost a kind and good friend, and a soul-mate, I have parted company in this life with a fellow pilgrim on the journey of faith. But I will always be grateful to God for the many happy years we had together.”