Mary was an extraordinary woman! A brilliant communicator, loyal, funny, passionate, absolutely fearless when injustice presented itself and yet warm, caring and sensitive. As a parent and teacher, I was priveliged to see her in a different light and many days were spent watching Bancroft’s Rugby and Cricket. Once, when faced with an over enthusiastic visiting parent whose advice to the referee was becoming aggressive, Mary steamed in with a powerful but respectful rebuke, ‘We don’t do that here Sir!”. You knew where you stood with Mary, she hated bullies and unecessary cynicism and she wasn’t prepared to quietly accept it. Oh how she loved the school and would often talk about the ‘good people’ who made up the community and the importance for pupils to find a way to give back to that community , especially through the Arts and Sports. She loved my work outside of the school and had continued to support me with her kindness, even when she was ill. I adored her and am deeply shocked and saddened but on reflection, the biggest contribution to my life that she gave was to teach me that Old World Pinot Noir was far superior to the New World. Lesson learnt. Oh, and we shared a love for Gallows humour. Safe journey, my Captain!