MARY HAMILTON, FORMER STAFF
Many Sedberghians will be saddened to hear of the death of Mary Hamilton, who passed away peacefully at her home on 10th January aged 77 years. Mary taught singing at both Casterton and Sedbergh Schools as well as acting as a ‘guardian’ for pupils during weekends and half term holidays. Mary was very much loved by her pupils and colleagues alike who remember her warmth, joie de vivre and humour.
A former pupil of Mary’s recalled the impact that ‘Mrs H’ had on her life:
‘Mrs H taught me so much and was truly a most wonderful and inspiring teacher. With such a fabulous sense of humour. I absolutely loved my lessons and any time I was singing. It was such an escape. I can see her bouncy walk and feel her happy warm personality.’
A former music scholar commented, ‘Mary was woven through my life at school from my entrance exam right up to my final speech day. She really cared. And somehow managed to keep things real. I’ll always remember how she taught us to smile when singing, because you can hear it in the music – a life lesson indeed.’
Mary was a loving mother and mother-in-law to Jon and Dawn and Victoria and Paul, proud grandmother to Jack, Ellie, Daisy, Oscar, Alex and Sophie.
A private cremation will take place followed by a service to celebrate Mary’s life at St Andrew’s Church, Sedbergh on Wednesday 7th February at 1pm.
Family flowers only, but donations if desired will be gratefully received to The Freda Trott Musical Foundation and can be made via the following link:
mary-hamilton-1946-2024.muchloved.com
“It’s all down to Mary that I can call myself a singer, and that I still sing barbershop. I wonder if there will be enough former Chameleons at her funeral for a tribute rendition of Evaline?” Richard Hubbard P 82-87
“Mary taught me how to breathe, how to sing, how to understand the emotion of a song. Her love for the music we sang together rubbed off on me and has stayed with me for the rest of my life. If I didn’t live in the US I would absolutely be there. My love and thoughts to the whole family. She was a great woman.” JB Blanc P 84-87
