ConstitutionLinda Lennard
It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Linda had passed away peacefully on December 8th.
The immediate overwhelming emotion of everyone who knew her was how dreadfully unfair it seemed, Keith having died from the same disease. It was typical of Linda, of course, that she bore her disease with great courage, always determined to be positive in outlook and supportive to her family.
When Keith and Linda first arrived at St. David's they quickly became popular with both pupils and staff. A few years later they moved into the Lodge. Later they moved into school and Linda quickly established herself as an invaluable houseparent, supporting Keith in his role as Snowdon housemaster. Pupils knew that they had ready access to the Snowdon flat and would always be received with warmth and sound advice. The same went for duty staff and fellow houseparents, the warm welcome usually supported by a hot drink or something a little stronger.
All this was long before co-education at St. David's so daughter Kate went to Ysgol John Bright, although this certainly didn't prevent her from attending a great many St David's activities. This she still does, of course, married to deputy headmaster Andy Russell and proud mother of their own three children. Sons William and Owain both enjoyed successful careers as full members of the school. In addition to her roles as houseparent and mother of three spirited youngsters, Linda returned to teaching and the school's science department was all the stronger for her input, her teaching was always thorough, patient, organised and effective. When Keith became ill they moved back to the Lodge and how fitting it is that Kate, Andy and their children now have their family home there.
Her houseparenting skills were again brought into play when she was appointed as a housemistress at Downe House school and it was obvious from conversations with her that she thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility and was liked and respected by the girls in her house. When a vacancy occurred for a housemistress of Augusta, the girls' house at St. David's, she was the ideal candidate for the post and moved in this September. This was good news for the school and also enabled her to be close to Kate and three of her grandchildren. She was able to bring so much to this role.
Obviously the pastoral care was a key component but she was happy to spend time supporting the girls' academic work as well as sharing her practical skills as an accomplished seamstress and fabulous cook. In addition she had the ability to set clear boundaries and to instinctively sense as soon as they were being crossed. As ever, she was providing a warm and welcoming environment within which everyone could feel both safe and valued. Tragically, this phase of her professional career has been cut short.
We all feel a deep sense of loss at having lost someone whom so many could count on as a genuine friend. She was always patient with others, provided help and support whenever it was needed and was completely loyal. She had a great commitment to stick up for what she knew to be right, a particularly endearing quality. She always acted in the best interests of her children, whether they be family members or pupils who were in her care.
We have lost an esteemed friend and our sympathies go out to the family who has lost such a very special person.
William Seymour
The funeral Service will be at St Paul's Church, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, on Friday 16th December. It is the Church where the Carol Service has been held for many years and where we gathered to pay our last respects to Keith.
sec@oda-sdc.co.uk