Obituary: Mary Whittell

Jun 16 2009 By Huddersfield Examiner

SHE was renowned for her work in the arts world of Huddersfield.

But to many, Mary Whittell was Miss Whittell – a teacher they regarded as an inspiration in their lives.

She taught hundreds of children, firstly at Kirkheaton and later at Marsden, and one former pupil recalled: "She was a born teacher, lively and humorous".

She died on June 1 at the age of 97.

Miss Whittell was born in Luddendenfoot in May 1912 but moved with her family two years later when her father Jimmy was appointed headteacher of Kirkheaton School.

She followed in his footsteps and trained to be a teacher at St John’s College, Ripon. She landed her first job at Kirkheaton and was remembered by many for not only her firm manner but also her love of the theatre and the arts.

She introduced the children to plays and to painting, as well as music.

She then moved to Marsden School and continued to inspire her pupils. One of them was Dez Wilson, who later found fame as an artist, and he recalled how she would hit him around the ear if he misbehaved but became his mentor.

Miss Whittell’s family moved to Birkby and she took on the role of carer for her father after his retirement.

But she continued her love of the arts.