Joan Margaret Kale (18 Jun 1936 - 3 Feb 2022)

KALE
Nee BENNETT
JOAN MARGARET

A service of Thanksgiving for Joan's life will be held at Heckmondwike United Reformed Church on Thursday 10th March 2022 at 11.15 am.

On 3rd February 2022, whilst in the safe care of Fieldhead Court, Thornhill, formerly of Outwood, aged 85 years, Joan, beloved wife of the late Gerry, dear sister of Janice, John & Susan and proud auntie of Beth, Tim, Lucy, Ben & Rosie.

From 1956 - 1960 Joan taught 5-6 year olds plus Junior Games at Healey Junior and Infants School.
From 1961 to 1968 Joan taught at Harrogate Grammar School as assistant mistress and then Head of Girls’ PE. On leaving Harrogate Joan joined the staff of St Peter’s Junior and Infant School, Birstall, teaching 5 - 9 year olds and where she met Gerry. She became Head of the Infant Department and Junior Games Mistress.
From 1983 until taking early retirement in 1993 Joan taught at Sunny Hill House Pre-Prep School, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, becoming Deputy Head.
Joan and Gerry were married at George Street Congregational Chapel in Heckmondwike in 1975.
Joan captained many teams in Hockey and represented Yorkshire, Harrogate Ladies and Wakefield Ladies. She took part in many other sports, tennis, golf, cycling, cricket and was a dedicated swimmer, being part of the Heckmondwike Ladies Swimming Team. She was also an excellent pianist and played an active part in school and church choirs, local Amateur Operatic Societies and Harrogate Choral Society. She was devoted to her five nephews and nieces and supported them in their activities. Unfortunately Joan’s health has made it impossible for her to enjoy her great-nephews and great-nieces; in former days she would have spoiled them terribly!
Joan attended George Street Congregation Chapel where she was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and produced Sunday School pantomimes. More recently she joined the congregation at Heckmondwike United Reformed Church until ill health made this impossible.
Joan will be remembered for her dedication to her pupils at Sunny Hill House, Harrogate Grammar School and Birstall St Peter’s Primary School.
All enquiries with regard to the funeral arrangements may be made to George Brooke Ltd. Funeral Directors of Dewsbury. Tel 01924 454476.