Mrs Whiteman was my A level teacher in Human Biology. I felt that she had my back and saw a potential in me that perhaps others didn’t. I have had a twenty+ year career in physiotherapy so far, and thank her for helping me start on this journey. Love to her husband….

I worked with Pat for many years at the High School and consider myself lucky to have done so, although not as lucky as the many girls she taught. She was the most professional, most caring of colleagues and I know she saw teaching very much as a vocation. I always knew that Pat’s opinion could be trusted, that she was wise. But when I think of her now, I think of her in the Staff Room, her hand on my arm as we share a laugh about something. That’s a nice way to be remembered, I think….

Mrs. W was a legend. A giant amongst (wo)men. She taught me for many years, and A-level Biology would not have been the same without her. I have so many fond memories and ridiculous silly sayings to this day (“Turkey legs apart!”) that derive from the funny things she said and did in our lessons to keep us all awake and engaged. I will treasure these for all my own days and only hope my daughters are lucky enough to have such an inspirational teacher (hopefully in science, obviously!)  My only gripe, Mrs. W, and I shall save this to discuss with you above at a later date, is that you were always too kind to keep correcting my complete and apparently innate inability to spell ‘protien’ (sic.) and thus I became the PhD student who submitted their thesis in Protein Crystallography, with at least two stray ‘Protiens’ ….. that luckily the reviewers were also too polite (or embarrassed) to point out!!! Rest in peace, you marvellous lady and inspirational being. With much love and immense gratitude for all you did for us, Liz x…

I worked with Pat for many years at QEGS, and the one thing that stood out was her caring nature towards the boys. She taught many of the younger boys in her stints at the school and she always remembered them, and could tell stories about them. I know the boys were very fond of her and grateful for the care and dedication she showed them. A true professional, she will be greatly missed, all our love and condolences from the chemistry department at QEGS. Nick Lambert…

Mrs Whiteman was my biology teacher for just two years but made such a lasting mark. Firstly, for her love of life and of her students. She was one of the most caring and helpful teachers I ever had, nothing was ever too much trouble and she did absolutely everything with that big smile on her face. You could speak to her about absolutely anything – she would listen carefully and do absolutely anything she could to help. But apart from being a lovely person she was also a brilliant teacher, making lessons fun and interesting. For a non-natural scientist such as myself who found science tough, her methods and techniques got me through GCSE biology. Somehow she managed to get concepts through my tiny brain and things I learnt with her I still rememeber to this day. My love goes to all her family and friends, for I cannot imagine what a huge loss you must be enduring right now. It was a real privilege to have her as my teacher….

Whenever I came across Pat she always had a smile and a kind word. A true professional and lovely lady!…

She was my biology teacher for o level and a level and a true inspiration to all. I was undecided what to do in my future career but she helped me make that key decision. Now I teach medical students, as part of my hospital role,  in the same way that she used to teach me anatomy a long time ago. May you rest in peace x …

I worked together with Pat in the Biology Department at WGHS from January 2003 until September 2003. She gave me immense support as I started my role as Head of Biology and made starting at the school an absolute joy with her contagious enthusiasm and smile. What a great ambasador for the foundation and fondly remembered by students and staff alike….

Harry, “The Master Cratfsman””  – this is written with for you. Pat was a very good friend to me both personally and professionally for many years. Personally we would often discuss local people we both knew, including my mum,  who first met Pat when she was 4! Professionally, when I started at WGHS,  Pat therfore  became one of those “go to” people who was always happy to help – and always with a beaming smile on her face. In additon to discussing people we knew, we would often talk about school and the achievements of the girls, gardening, sport and nutrition – including preparing for a 90 mile bike ride to Flamborough –  and always about Pat’s pride and joy – Harry. Seldom have I come across a more content and devoted couple with one of the most beautiful homes & gardens I have ever seen. Ultimately, Pat was a very rare person. A great teacher for over 4 decades, a loyal friend and colleague and a truly lovely person. Harry, although your loss will be incalculable it was always clear to see that you enjoyed the most perfect of marriages. Please take great comfort in this and remember…

Mrs Whiteman was my favourite teacher when I was a young girl. I adored her lessons and she ignited in me a love of Biology that I hold to this day. Some of my teachers were very scary in those days, but Mrs Whiteman was kind and good fun. May she rest in peace….