SYLVIA GORDON
SYLVIA Beryl Gordon, formerly of Hempshaw Avenue, Loveclough, passed away on Saturday, March 27 at Highfield
Hall, Haslingden, aged 86.
Born in Walton-le-Dale, Preston, she lived in Rossendale for over 40 years.
She went to college at Thornbridge Hall aged 18 but soon afterwards contracted TB and was in Sheffield Royal Infirmary and then Deepdale isolation unit for a year.
She showed her determination to beat this disease and carry on and chase her dream by returning to college whilst she still had artificial pneumothorax.
She was the widow of Robert who passed away in 2005 and whom she met when she was 25, marrying him when she was 31. They enjoyed a very close happy marriage with no children.
Sylvia began her teaching career in her home village of Walton-leDale and taught in Leicester, Surrey and
Essex before becoming Head at Waterfoot infant school in 1973.
On amalgamation she then became Head of the combined infant and junior schools until she retired.
She loved her job and especially the children, many of whom she talked about or kept in touch with.
Wife of the late Robert and sister of the late Norman and Gordon
Lees, she leaves nieces Joan and Susan and their respective families.
She had many interests but especially embroidery and handicrafts and she loved flowers. She also enjoyed reading, particularly mystery novels. Music was an interest she shared with her late husband, and they enjoyed many concerts together.
A believer, she enjoyed occasional attendance at Manchester Cathedral and after moving there she regularly supported the services held at Highfield Hall.
Special memories included her holidays and walks. She supported Wigan Rugby League.
A high point was when, with Robert, she attended a Royal Garden Party, to which she was invited in recognition of her services to education.
Funeral to take place on Tuesday, April 13, with service at Burnley Crematorium at 1.45pm. No flowers; donations to Save the Children.
Due to current restrictions numbers are limited at the Crematorium.
Funeral director: Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer Funeral Service.
ALBERT COOKE
Marion, who he has been with for 26 years, and will be sadly missed by his six children, 21 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one expected. He is also a father-in-law.
Albert went to Thorn Primary School in Bacup, and on leaving worked in a few places, but was at Gaskells Carpets for many years.
His family always came first, and nothing gave him more pleasure than laughing and joking with his grandchildren.
He was also a great Liverpool supporter, and enjoyed making match stick vehicles and collecting model cars.
Albert also loved trips out in his car, especially to Blackpool, ending the trip with fish and chips.
Roger Payne officiated the service at Burnley Crematorium on Wednesday, April 7.
Family flowers only were requested; donations if desired for Cancer Research, or the British Heart Foundation c/o funeral director Margaret Goodwin for Woods Funeral Service, Bacup. uncle, and great-uncle, and a good friend to many.
The funeral took place on Tuesday, March 30, led by Neil Overton.
Flowers were welcome. Funeral director: Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer Funeral Service.