A FORMER head of sixth form at John Mason School in Abingdon, who has died at the age of 94, devoted her life to education.

Elizabeth Aldworth, described as an “excellent” teacher, worked as head of sixth form at the secondary school for more than 20 years.

She formed strong relationships with her students and colleagues and kept in touch with many pupils long after her retirement.

Friends said her death “marked the fulfilment of a life devoted to education”.

Elizabeth Ferguson Aldworth was born in Abingdon on July 31, 1921. An only child, she studied at St Helen & St Katharine School from 1931 to 1940.

Upon leaving school, she set out to become a teacher and read English at St Anne’s College, Oxford.

She spent her first teaching years at Colston’s School in Bristol, moving from her parents’ home in Bath Street, Abingdon, to live there.

After a few years, she returned to Abingdon following the death of her mother, to look after her father who had lost a leg in the First World War and was unable to care for himself.

She joined John Mason School in the 1960’s as an English teacher, and was very quickly made head of the English department, then head of sixth corm.

She stayed at John Mason until her retirement in the 1980s.

Her colleague for more than 20 years Sheila Hills, said many of Miss Aldworth’s pupils and colleagues benefitted from her advice and knowledge.

Outside teaching, she enjoyed reading and writing and had several cats over the years. She never married or had children but made many friends.

Towards the end of her life she moved to Old Station House care home in Abingdon where she died on January 17.

All are welcome at her funeral in St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, on Tuesday, February 9, at 11am.