12:36pm Thursday 25th January 2007
By David Jeffels
FORMER pupils and friends of retired teacher Mollie Kennedy packed the ancient village church at Crambe, near Malton, for her memorial service.
Miss Kennedy, 86, died in a road accident on the A64 near Whitwell three weeks ago while crossing the road to catch a bus.
There was standing room only yesterday for the congregation of more than 200 at the church where Miss Kennedy was organist and church warden for many years.
Margaret Hughes, a former head teacher of St Andrew's School, Malton, where Miss Kennedy taught for 30 years, said: "She was much loved by her pupils for her kindness and the interest she showed in them.
"She gave unstintingly of herself throughout her life."
During the service, fiddle dances were played by Paul Wellard, who had played for country dancing classes run by Miss Kennedy for more than 40 years.
Other tributes were made to Miss Kennedy's enthusiasm for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Sunderland Football Club and her numerous interests, which included photography, foreign travel and gardening.
The Rev Rachel Benson said: "Mollie's was a remarkable life. She had a love of people and was a great Christian. She was never without a thought for someone else."
Jennie Capstick, a former pupil, said: "Everyone who knew her, valued her as a dedicated teacher and held her in high esteem. She cared for all her old girls and she was instrumental in organising the old girls' reunions."
She recalled how Miss Kennedy had been the guest of honour at the most recent reunion at the Forest And Vale Hotel, in Pickering, on November 30 - St Andrew's Day.
Mrs Capstick said she inspired her pupils in history, maths and on the hockey field and, in retirement, welcomed them to her home to watch films of her travels.
She said: "She always had a readiness to help people."
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