PUBLISHED 02 February 2022
Warm tributes have been paid to Penny Riley, a former teacher at Queen Mary School, Lytham who has died at the age of 90.
From 1962 and 1978 Penny Riley taught both PE and swimming at Queen Mary School. Marie Birtwistle, her Head of Department, remembers her positivity and enthusiasm.
“When I first started at QMS, Penny was a part-timer in my department but always gave 100%. She was always cheerful and willing to do absolutely anything to help.
She was extremely versatile and her knowledge and contribution to the department were most valuable. Penny always maintained the highest of standards and was well respected by both colleagues and pupils.”
Penny took her love of sports into the community where she taught swimming at Lytham Baths. She volunteered with the Royal Life Saving Society and gained many awards, including, in 2000, the prestigious Wilkinson Sword for her years of service at national competitions.
Penny, born Pearl Sutcliffe and herself educated at QMS, was also active in the Old Girls' Association and enjoyed keeping in touch with her colleagues and former students.
Julian Wilde, former Principal of KEQMS, recalls her cheerfulness at social events for retired staff.
“She was lively, sociable and always smiling and will be fondly remembered by many here on the Fylde coast.”
Penny was also an accomplished ice dancer and in 2005 published a book ‘Fresher Heirs’ about her pioneering days as a college student from 1949-1952 at the newly opened Lady Mabel College of Physical Education at Rotherham.
The Queen Mary School flag was on display in honour of Penny at her funeral this morning at the White Church in Ansdell.
Donations to the RNLI in her memory may be made through Woodlands Funerals.
