Edith Jill Hiscock, who worked at the now closed Colbury Primary School in the 60s and then for the majority of her career at the special educational needs secondary school Oak Lodge in Dibden Purlieu, has died aged 85.

Freemantle resident Jill's career swansong was an innovative project at Totton College to facilitate inclusion for pupils with additional needs into mainstream further education.

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She was an extremely popular teacher and remained in touch with many of her pupils into her retirement.

Following a turbulent childhood, Jill juggled being a single parent and teacher training at La Sainte Union College in Archers Road in the 1960s. 

She was an inspiring, nurturing and fun-loving parent to daughters Julia and Sarah and a much-loved grandparent to Oliver and Sam and great-grandparent to Alexandra, Oscar, Daniel and Ellie.

She was a remarkable woman who spent her life helping others, including volunteering for The Samaritans and helping feed the homeless.

Jill also taught adult literacy evening classes and adopted many informal roles looking after elderly and vulnerable people in the community.

During her retirement, Jill became an active member of the Labour Party. Until very recently, even though very frail, aided by her walking stick and the occasional stop off at the top of the hill on Cracknore Road where the landlords of the Key and Anchor pub would encourage her to sit and have a rest.

She set up a thriving Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Freemantle and was an active member of The Timebank, exchanging skills and experience.

In November 2021, Jill contracted cancer, but was determined to remain in her home and was active until just a week before she died, attending yoga and meeting friends.

As her health declined, she had home care and support from Mountbatten Hampshire and enjoyed music therapy sessions.

She died peacefully at home, with her daughters by her side.

Jill's body has been donated to medical science and her ashes will be scattered at her favourite spot in Emery Down.

A celebration of Jill's life will be held at the Key and Anchor pub in Freemantle on November 12.

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