Former Rotherham mayoress dies in hospital

She was born in Chesterfield but moved to Maltby following her marriage to Jack at the age of 19.

Gwen supported her husband in his work for many years as a councillor and was mayoress in 1968 when he became mayor.

She was a remarkably independent and elegant lady who until her illness last month remained in her own home, taking care of herself and continued to supply her family with home baked goods. 

When Gwen was 90 she held a big family party and was already planning another for her 95th birthday.

She retired at 60 from Hill Top Sschool in Maltby working with children with learning disabilities. 

Her son Brian Skelton said: “My mum lived through some difficult times in her younger days and younger family members learned lessons in real life history from her tales.

“The family will always remember her for her efforts to keep us together. She was fiercely independent to the end.

“She was very much loved and we will all miss her greatly.”

Gwen was mum to Brian, John and Linda, who sadly died aged 14. She was also a much loved sister, grandma, great grandma, auntie and great auntie.

Her funeral is at Rotherham Crematorium on Thursday at 2.15pm.