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News > Alumni News > Ursula Bretherton Head Matron 1974-1886

Ursula Bretherton Head Matron 1974-1886

It is with great sadness we pass on a message from Susanne Bretherton , daughter of Ursula.
2 May 2023
Written by Sue Maughan
Alumni News
Ursula Bretherton
Ursula Bretherton

I wanted to let the community know that my mother, Ursula, died in May 2021 after a short illness.
Mrs B (the tall one, not the other Mrs B, the short one!) was matron on the girls wing from 1974 to 1986 during Charles and Elizabeth Ann’s Headship. My brother, Michael, and I were both educated at Windlesham. She went on to be the pastoral lead and manager of domestic facilities at an elite but state run school in Malawi for the next 12 years, alongside another ex-Windlesham teacher, Bob Greenwood. On retiring she lived in the country of her birth, Germany, before relocating in her 70s to London to be nearer me and her grandchildren.

My mum was the most intelligent and humane person I have ever met. Her time at Windlesham was a really treasured and precious time in her life. We reminisced often and she remembered the name and personalities of every girl that passed through her hands there. Her admiration for the stewardship of Charles and Elizabeth Ann, and their passion for the education and wellbeing of their students, was almost evangelical!
To everyone that heard her click/clacking up the corridor in her high heels at night please know that her intention was to give us fair warning so we got back into bed so she don’t have to tell us off!

She was a wonderful grandmother and passed all her beautiful wisdom and humour to her two grandchildren. She died at home, with immense grace, with us all with her. She is greatly missed by friends and family.

 

Susanne Bretheron 



 

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