Grace Pamela Sherriff (30 May 1933 - 21 Mar 2019)

In loving memory of Grace Pamela Sherriff who sadly passed away on 21st March 2019

Grace Sherriff was born, Grace Pamela King, on 30 May 1933 a talented, creative and resourceful lady, with a flair for writing and a love of singing.

A bright, clever little girl, Grace was very proud that she had learnt to read before she started school; but growing up in the shadow of the Second World War, times were hard and despite being a “star pupil” her hopes of going to University were dashed after the premature death of her mother. However, Grace quickly became a firm believer in “you can and should be able to do anything,” and fiercely competitive, she wouldn’t accept the notion for herself, her daughters and granddaughters that “being a girl” meant that you could not!

Training to be teacher, Grace taught Maths and PE in the UK for many years until her move to Greece at the end of the 70s, where taught at an English Language school and she was still working into her seventies, by taking on private students. Grace was an excellent teacher with many of her past students sending messages about how wonderful she was.

Settling in Needham Market on her return from Greece 12 years ago, Grace moved into sheltered accommodation a few years ago and as a born organiser, it didn’t take long for her to spot “improvements” that could be made at Hurstlea Court, but Grace vowed not to interfere, as in her words “she’d done her time.” But it came as no surprise to her family that very soon Grace had set up the Messy Monday craft group, joined the Tenants Association and was organising charity events such as the garden party for the Queen's 90 birthday! Also, for someone who had insisted that she would never play bingo, that is where Grace could be found every Monday afternoon!

Although she began increasingly unable to walk and then move caused by arthritis, Grace was determined to remain in her own home, which she did until she was admitted to hospital with sepsis. Grace faced much pain in the last few years but she slipped away on her own terms, at peace and free. Grace did not want flowers or a fuss but she would like your support for ending the pain and suffering arthritis causes. Join me in supporting Versus Arthritis for Grace.

Carol is running the London Marathon in memory of Grace and donations may be made on this web page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/carol-sherriff