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Nancy Vincent
(Sister Elizabeth Mary)
1915-2003

Jane Yates (née Bowley) writes:

The name may seem unfamiliar but as Sister Elizabeth Mary - or 'Lizzie May' - she taught many of us in the 1950's.

Nancy came from Reading and at the age of 19 entered the Convent at Clewer. She was sent out to India and in later years took a delight in telling Valerie Bonham that at least one of the 'Indian Sisters' was still alive.

In the early 1950's, Nancy came to SSC and taught English - she was an inspiring teacher and many of us owe much of our knowledge of the classics to her.

Shortly afterwards, however, Nancy left the Community: she felt that her vocation had changed and although her faith was unaltered, she believed that her life was to be in the secular world.

She moved to Sydenham High School where she taught until retirement - becoming Head of the English Department and a deeply loved and respected member of the staff.

For those of us who kept up with her after leaving school, Nancy was more than just a friend - she provided a bed when we were flat hunting, viewed our boyfriends, gave us advice if asked, supporting us with a wall of prayer, delighting in our lives, children and grandchildren.

Cancer came twice, the first time in her face, then, after eight years, fatally. Nancy rang to tell me; she was unafraid, quite ready to go and her end was reasonably swift.

For those of us who loved her, she leaves a great gap. Val Phelps (née Doble) and I attended the Requiem in a crowded church where we heard her vicar speak of her with great affection and humour - it seemed the end of an era.