Death of former Nelson secondary school PE teacher

Mrs Connie Stott (pictured) of Barkerhouse Road passed away on Sunday with her family by her side after a short llness.

She will be remembered for her passionate outlook on life, her outgoing and bubbly personality, and for her 40 years plus of teaching physical education to local youngsters.

Eric, her devoted husband of 62 years, described her as “very special woman” who “knew what she wanted”.

The childhood sweethearts met at Nelson Grammar School when they were just 13 years old after Connie secured a place following her time at St John’s Primary School, where at the age of 11, she was ranked in the top three academic achievers in Nelson.

After school, she attended the prestigious Bergman Osterberg Physical Training College in Dartford, which was rated as the country’s top PE college for girls.

After completion of the degree equivalent course and determined to remain close to her roots, she returned home to Nelson and was married to Eric in 1948.

The couple had two children, Elizabeth and Michael. Mrs Stott taught hundreds of pupils during her time at Walverden Secondary Modern School, Nelson Grammar School and Nelson Secondary Technology School (Edge End).

Later she undertook supply work at Whitefield Secondary Modern School under the teaching of Mr Geoff Ingham who was another childhood friend.

Her daughter Liz said: “She lived life to the full and had a love for it. She was always the life and soul of the party and people have said to us, ‘what a gal’.

“She was not just a mother but also a friend, companion and like a sister to me – she was everything rolled into one.”

A keen golf player which consumed most of her time, Mrs Stott was an honorary member at Nelson Golf Club and also played at Colne Golf Club off an impressive handicap of 13.

The grandmother also loved taking shopping trips to cities, had an eclectic choice in music – ranging from anything from classical music to pop and enjoyed going to the theatre.

One of Mrs Stott’s oldest friends, Mrs Pearl Ingham, said: “She was very outgoing and outspoken but she stood up for her principles. She was a very strong character and was young at heart in everything she did.”

She also leaves behind grandchildren Richard, Sophie, Titus and Cosmo.

Mrs Stott’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at Burnley Crematorium. The celebration of life will take place at 2-20 p.m. before Nelson Golf Club at 3-30 p.m.

Donations to Pendleside Hospice c/o Alderson and Horan Funeral Services, Rossendale Road, Burnley.