'Quiet and dignified' music teacher Margaret Whieldon dies aged 81
A MUSIC teacher, who was so sought after she had a two-year waiting list, has died the day before her 82nd birthday.
Margaret Whieldon, "a quiet, modest and dignified lady", died from respiratory and heart problems.
She was known by friends and family as someone who willingly helped others and was modest about her many achievements.
Among these were qualifying as a piano teacher in her 30s and becoming so respected in the role that would-be pupils were prepared to wait up to two years for her services.
SPONDON CARPETS AND FLOORING LIMITED. Unit 1 Canalgate Park,...
View detailsLarge new showroom offering wide range of flooring.FREE FITTING AND UNDERLAY on most ranges. Call in and browse round and chat to our experienced sales staff. Late night opening on Thursday till 7.30
Contact: 01332 418267
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
Friend Josephine Eaton said: "She was a conscientious and respected teacher, who gave much encouragement to all pupils – young and old."
Miss Whieldon, of Long Eaton, also wrote poetry and short stories and was one of the first members of the Erewash Writers' Group when it was set up in 1999.
Her work appeared in three anthologies produced by the group and she had some of her material broadcast on Radio Derby.
In her 70s, she completed an A-level in art and her illustrations of Derbyshire churches were printed on front covers of the Breaston parish magazine.
As an adult, she won awards for tap-dancing. She was a pianist and organist at St Michael's Parish Church, Breaston, where she was a member of the choir up until her death.
Miss Whieldon also loved dachshunds – a passion passed down from her mother – and her dog, Bubbles, went everywhere with her, including on trains and holidays.
Mrs Eaton said: "Bubbles, who she adopted through a rescue society, lived to a good age and, in its final years as its legs weakened, Margaret took her beloved pet in a pushchair to the local park and into the Peaks where it could perhaps have a short walk."
Miss Whieldon worked at Plessey (Ericssons) in Long Eaton, where her duties included checking and repairing parts for telephones.
After being made redundant, she became a postal worker and later worked part-time at Moores dental surgery, in Derby Road, Long Eaton. She eventually gave up work to look after her ill mother – but continued to give music lessons.
Peter and Shirley Whieldon, Miss Whieldon's second cousins, said: "It was a privilege to know Margaret and be a small part of her life. She will be missed."
Comments