A Life of Adventure, Art and Giving Back: Susan Barr, Class of 1957

Susan Jennifer Barr (née Wilson), Class of 1957 (1938–2026) 

We are sad to share the news that Susan Jennifer Barr (née Wilson), Class of 1957, died at home in Cheltenham on 27 July 2026, following a number of years of declining health. Sue was the second daughter of Norman Wilson, a Surrey businessman, and Catherine (née Giles). She leaves behind her husband, Jerry, their three children, Jonathon, Philippa and Louise, and a remarkable legacy of kindness, service and adventure. 

Sue and her sister, Jill, shared a love of stories from an early age, writing and illustrating their own books. This early creativity developed into a lifelong talent for art. At Sue’s funeral in Cheltenham on 27 August, some of these childhood creations were displayed alongside artwork from her schooldays at Lady Eleanor Holles, including sketches of friends. They offered a lovely glimpse into her imagination and the friendships she treasured. 

Sue joined LEH in 1949 and, in 1957, went on to the City of London Cripplegate College with her lifelong school friend, ‘Paddy’ Feddern. She began her working life with a cerebral palsy charity in London before deciding to broaden her horizons and emigrating to Canada in 1960. She eventually returned to England and married Jerry, a close friend since the late 1950s. 

Jerry’s work took the family to several different homes, and Sue embraced each new chapter. Alongside raising their three children, she worked for a variety of organisations, including a brewery and several schools as a secretary. However, it was voluntary work that became a particular passion. Her commitments included the WRVS in Somerset, a residential school for children with severe cerebral palsy in South Wales, a women’s refuge in the Midlands and volunteering with the Probation Service in Suffolk. 

Sport was another important part of Sue’s life. She enjoyed lacrosse and tennis, but a missed opportunity to compete in running during her schooldays became a motivation later in life. She joined a running club and developed into an accomplished veteran athlete, competing internationally in the USA, Finland and Belgium. She also ran marathons in New York, London and Berlin, and in 1987 finished first in her age group in the demanding Snowdon Marathon. 

In 1988, Sue and Jerry moved to Gloucestershire to be closer to Sue’s ailing mother. The years that followed brought further opportunities to make a difference. Sue became involved with a young homeless project in Cheltenham, helping to establish its Furniture Recycling Project, which continues to this day. She accompanied Princess Anne when she opened the project’s warehouse in Cheltenham and later served on its board of directors. 

Sue’s commitment to helping others extended well beyond the UK. Alongside Jerry, she was involved for many years with the Intermediate Technology Development Group, now known as Practical Action. In 2000, she travelled to Bangladesh to see its work first-hand, combining the visit with time spent with the Church of Bangladesh. 

Her involvement in international humanitarian work continued through a meeting with Rwandan priest Reverend Philbert Kalisa during the period of the genocide. Sue subsequently served on the board of a charity established by Philbert to support reconciliation between the Hutu and Tutsi communities. In 2011, she and Jerry returned to Kigali to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary with a special blessing. 

Their marriage, which had begun decades earlier, was to reach an extraordinary milestone. Just two weeks before Sue’s death, they celebrated 65 years together. 

Throughout her life, Sue combined creativity with a determination to help others, whether through her charitable work, her sporting achievements or the many communities she became part of. Her life was one of energy, compassion and a willingness to embrace new challenges, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy in the people and projects she helped along the way.