Whitchurch Obituaries

Sylvia Rosekilly 1934 - 2024

We sadly report that Sylvia Rosekilly died peacefully on 25th November, at home in Whitchurch, aged 90 years. 
Sylvia was lovingly cared for at home by a dedicated team of helpers.  Although suffering a prolonged illness, Sylvia was brave and accepting.  Sylvia loved her garden and flowers.  Sylvia had many friends, particularly at Reading Gardeners and with husband Roy was an enthusiastic bowls player in Pangbourne. 

Dianne Brooks 1968 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to Dianne Brooks who passed away peacefully on Tuesday 12th November at the age of 66, after a long battle with cancer. She was a wonderful person who showed much compassion and love for everyone she came in contact with and left them with a true sense of their importance in the grand scheme of things.
She arrived in Whitchurch in 2001. She and Keith lived in Hardwick Road.
For many years she taught at the Chiltern Edge School, Sonning Common, where she helped children to grasp the rudiments of mathematics. She then went on to work with the Central Berkshire Education Business Partnership in Reading, assisting children who were finding it difficult to fit in at school. Following this she became the Parish Clerk for Benson Parish Council and more recently was volunteering at Whitchurch Primary School, helping the children there.

Peter Smith 1944 - 2024

We have to report the sad news that Peter Smith, who lived in Eastfield Lane with his wife Diana, has died on 15th April 2024 at the age of 80, after a period of illness. He was born and educated in Oxford, reading History at the University. He then taught at Rugby School before being appointed Headmaster of Bradfield College in 1985. He retired to Whitchurch in 2003. He was involved in village life as Chair of the Whitchurch Society for 14 years and was a familiar figure at the annual Art and Craft Exhibition, presenting awards to winners. He was also a governor of the Primary School for a number of years.

Doreen Godley 1936 - 2024

The sad death of Doreen Godley on 2nd January occurred when her car collided with a fallen tree at 5.30 pm near Crays Pond, in the aftermath of Storm Henk. She was 87 and well known to many in Whitchurch and Whitchurch Hill. She and her husband Brian, who died in 2010, lived for many years in Rivacres, Whitchurch Hill, before moving to Goring.