Margaret Evans, 87, had a 40-year career as a teacher at Bournemouth Park School, Hamstel Junior School and the former Dowsett High School for Girls where she was head of music. She was also a professional tutor for students at Eastwood Academy.
Following a battle with illness Margaret sadly died on December 14, leaving three children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
60th Anniversary – Dennis and Margaret Evans (Image: Keith Evans) Firm but fair – Margaret Evans (Image: Keith Evans)
The family have been left devastated by the loss of Margaret whose “door was always open”. Last year, Margaret’s husband Dennis, a former head of music for 20 years at Westcliff High School for Boys, died.
The couple married in 1957 after meeting in 1955 while Dennis was on national service.Margaret’s son, former councillor Keith Evans, said: “She taught at various music schools in Southend, once my mum and dad competed against each other with different school choirs at the Leigh Festival.
“She didn’t retire until she was 75 and was a professional tutor who mentored and played the piano, music was her forte particularly school choirs and music schools.
Happily married – Dennis and Margaret Evans (Image: Keith Evans) Competitors – Margaret and Keith Evans (Image: Keith Evans)
“She taught so many people that even lately, when she was in the hospital before she died, the ward manager and some of the staff knew her from school. There was no hiding place from the people who knew her or knew of her.”
Speaking to her character, Keith said that while music was the “focus of her life”, Margaret was heavily involved in the Salvation Army as well and would always try to rectify injustice.
He added: “She was firm but fair, you always knew where you stood with her and she was a fair-minded person at Eastwood Academy.
“She was supportive of other people and when there was an injustice she would get involved and try and rectify the problems and make sure things came out on the side of right.
“We are devastated by the loss, she is sorely missed and life has changed for us quite significantly, both Dennis and Margaret are missed.”
The funeral will take place on Friday, January 17 at Southend Crematorium at 12pm followed by a short thanksgiving service at Southend Salvation Army