Bramley Grange School veteran dies at 79

A POPULAR teacher who spent more than 25 years at the same school has died aged 79. Rosa Smith was a member of staff at Bramley Grange School between 1965 and 1991.

A POPULAR teacher who spent more than 25 years at the same school has died aged 79.

Rosa Smith was a member of staff at Bramley Grange School between 1965 and 1991.

Born in Derbyshire, she was the daughter of pit deputy Wilfred Daniels and his wife Hilda.

She was christened Rosamond Wheatley Daniels but always known as Rose or Rosa.

Educated at Shirebrook Grammar School and Totley College, Mrs Smith began her 40-year teaching career in Cresswell, where she and her husband, Roy Smith, lived.

The couple moved to Cherry Tree Crescent in Wickersley in 1965 and Rosa began working at Bramley Grange School, where she was a familiar figure, often playing the piano for assemblies and concerts.

Mr and Mrs Smith enjoyed an active social life and were familiar figures in local clubs.

Following her husband’s death in 1992, Mrs Smith was less active but continued to visit her caravan on the east coast.

In 2005, a severe stroke confined her to home and she moved to Bramley Grange Crescent, before becoming a resident at Ackroyd Clinic in Rotherham, where she stayed until her death on January 19.

Her funeral at Rotherham Crematorium was led by Rev Lyn Wortley of St Francis’ Church, Bramley.

Mrs Smith leaves a son and daughter, Malcolm Smith and Angela Pitman, grandchildren Sam, Jen, Ben and Tom and great-grandchildren Brandon and Sara.

Related topics: