A TEACHER loved and highly respected by her colleagues and friends, Mary Howes (nee Summerfield), has died on February 14, following illness, aged 76.

Mary, who taught at the former Ryde High School for 33 years, was born in Hammersmith and came to the IW with her brother, Allen, in 1969.

Following study at the University of Liverpool, Mary bought the Clatterford House Hotel, Carisbrooke. 

In 1971, the local authority asked Mary to help create a new cafeteria at County Hall and, while there, she met her first husband Ray, who she married that year. 

From this marriage, Mary had her only child, Catherine. 

Prior to joining Ryde High in 1974, Mary worked part-time at Carisbrooke and Sandown High Schools. 

In 1999, Mary achieved her Masters degree in Religious Studies (Spiritualism), from the University of Chichester. 

At Ryde High, Mary was known for her no-nonsense approach to students and preparing them for life beyond school. 

During her career, Mary held the role of head of Home Economics, RE, Health and Social Care, Careers and PSHE. 

But it was moments outside of school she cherished most — meeting past pupils for a chat about their lives and how her advice, recipes or personal guidance helped them.

Divorced and retired in 2007, Mary embarked on a new life in Niton — working in the village store and was a member of a fitness group, where met second husband, Barry. 

Happy again, Mary relished travelling to see friends and visiting places, which included the Sahara. She also loved clothes shopping for new trips.

Gifted at embroidery from an early age, Mary joined the Island Embroiders Group and exhibited — filling her home with beautiful pieces she made — and was a member of a crafting group.

Mary also joined Niton WI, once representing them at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. 

Her sense of fun shone through — something her family and friends will greatly miss.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, teaching generations of Islanders and adhering to the mantra that ‘knowledge not passed on, is knowledge wasted.’ 

Her funeral will take place at the Isle of Wight Crematorium at 2.15pm on Thursday, March 7.