Former teacher Margaret dies aged 81

Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Parker began her teaching career at Hargher Clough School, followed by periods at Walter Street, Brierfield, Reedley, Read, Marsden Juniors and the children’s ward at the former Victoria Hospital.

She was also an active tennis player all her life, initially at Burnley Parks and then Burnley Tennis Club where she played in the first team in the East Lancashire league.

She continued to play well until her 70s, an achievement that saw her described as “evergreen” by the Burnley Express.

Mrs Parker was married to husband Arthur Townley Parker for 57 years, and the couple had three sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren.

Mr Parker said: “Margaret was well-known in Burnley and the wider East Lancashire area because of her involvement in a broad range of activities and interests.

“She was educated at Back Lane School and Burnley High School for Girls where she became captain of games and played hockey, netball and tennis.

“In her later years she played bridge up to local master standard as part of Brierfield and Clitheroe clubs.

“She was also a voluntary distributor of ‘Meals on Wheels’ in Briercliffe.

“In addition she played for Burnley and Padiham badminton clubs around the country. Another of her interests was Scottish country dancing, which she also taught.”

While at school, she became a founder Guide in Burnley Rosehill Troop, and later went on to become a Guider, accompanying the Guides to camps around the country.

In the last eight years, Mrs Parker was treated for acute kidney failure. More than 100 mourners attended her funeral at Burnley’s St Peter’s Church.

Mr Parker added: “Margaret will be missed by many people, as was evident by the full congregation at St Peter’s Church.”