Sarah LEES-JEFFRIES Obituary

I'm so sorry to learn of your sad loss. I was just wondering - did Sarah ever teach in the UK? At Purley Grammar School in Old Coulsdon, Surrey, I had a fantastic English teacher from New Zealand called Mrs Lees-Jeffries (of course, being children, we never knew our teachers' Christian names). She taught me in the early 70s and I still think of her some times, hence me googling and finding this. I ended up becoming a journalist and my spelling and grammar are spot on! I was taught the 'old-fashioned' way and have many memories of Mrs L-J who was my English teacher for two years. I was so sad when she stopped - I can't remember if she left the school or was moved to another class. Among other things, she introduced me to WW1 poetry and taught me the meaning of 'planned obsolescence'. I've no idea why these things have stuck in my mind! Please let me know if this is the same lady, as I need to pass on the news to my old schoolfriend, Jane, who also remembers her well. We often talk about her still.

Mrs Lees- Jeffries was the best English teacher I ever had. She was my teacher in the 6th form in 1975. I wished she had been my teacher throughout high school because I learned more in one year than I had from all the other teachers combined. She explained things extremely well and was unfailingly kind and understanding.
I was very sad to read of her husband's death in the 90s.
I send my sincere sympathy to Mrs L- J's daughters and extended family. She was truly one of a kind.

What luck I had to have Mrs Lees-Jeffries as a teacher for fifth and seventh form at CGHS in the 1990s (and what luck she had not having me for fourth form). It's probably obvious, but worth stating: she was a fantastic teacher. She demonstrated her respect and support for students with an unpatronising teaching approach that in turn drew their respect. She welcomed mischief in class, but took just the right tone if it went too far.
Through her leadership, knowledge, originality and the books she chose to teach, she increased my awareness of the world and had an impact well beyond CGHS. I remember and admire her with great affection.
Sending condolences to Hester and Susannah, who did her such justice at her service, and all family and close friends who must be feeling her loss dearly.

I remember Sarah with much love. I still have some of the plants she and Peter have me when I was starting my garden.
My sympathies to you all
Anne Dewar

Dear Sarah and familly.
We are sorry to hear of your passing.
We send a final greeting from your ancestral homeland.

Lars Lamberg and Macarena from Sweden

Rest easy Aunt Sarah. You´ll always be cherished and remembered for sharing your love of literature, art and the stage. A loving, consistent and caring big sister, aunt and great aunt. All our love to Hester, Susannah, Mark and the rest of the Whanau. Love and eternal hugs, Kirsty, Callum, Joel, Stirling, Xander and Hamish.

Today I thought of Sarah, my former flat mate on Cranmer Square when we attended Teachers´ College. I am sad to read that she has just passed.
Sarah was an esteemed member of our trio at 5A Cranmer Square. I remember her as clever, sensible and with a fine wit.
My condolences to Susannah, Hester, and to Sarah´s extended family and friends.
Dear Sarah, rest well.
Gerardine Henning, (Behrens), Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
[email protected]

Susie
our thoughts and condolences to you and family...
Manawanui
with love
Anne Rowse and Jennifer Shennan

Mrs Lees-Jeffries. I cannot begin to explain how sad I am that you have passed. A teacher that was so invested in her students. A strong woman who took time to chat when I felt overwhelmingly stressed when I was 14, you made time for me and told me advice that I will never forget. I remember breaking you a bit with my sense of humour and you got it, but still had to be Mrs Lees-Jeffries, ha! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for being there. Love to your family, thinking of you all xxx

Very sad to hear of Sarah's passing. Moenga roa.

Dearest Sarah, you are deeply missed at the Pilates studio where you came twice weekly to keep strong and mobile and enjoy the friendships you made there. Your wonderful sense of humour and wisdom was always admired and we knew you would know the answer to any question about words or theatre. Sarah, rest now, knowing that you touched many hearts at Pilates. Much love Abbey, Emily and the Movementor Whanau.