Timothy Mark's late and beloved wife

6.10.1952 to 27.7.2000

Mrs Lorna Mark of Sprotbrough, Doncaster died on July 27th, 2000 aged 47 years after a long illness. Although having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 she continued teaching for a further four years at Fernbank School for Children with Special Educational Needs where she was a devoted and respected teacher. The last few years required regular visits to Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield where she received continuous treatment. She often spoke of the kindness and love that she received there.

Born in 1952 at Sparkhill in Birmingham, Lorna was the eldest of eleven children. In 1971 she went to Doncaster College of Education where she specialised in history and religious studies and obtained her BEd Honours degree from Sheffield University in 1975. Later that year she married the Rev Timothy Mark who was a member of the academic staff at the College. Whilst teaching at Fernbank School Lorna obtained two further advanced diplomas: a Diploma In Children's Literature from Sheffield University and a Diploma In Special Educational Needs from Nottingham University. In Sprotbrough Lorna soon became an active member of the Girl Guide Movement and is still remembered affectionately by many of her former Brownies as Snowy Owl.

Lorna was modest, unassuming and naturally shy. She disliked superficiality and insincerity of any kind. Those who knew her well were impressed by her self-effacing nature, and spoke of the tranquillity and serenity that surrounded her. She displayed an inner calm and strength that enabled her to face her illness and the future with immense courage and equanimity. Many who visited her went away feeling encouraged and helped by her quiet dignity, her twinkling sense of humour, and her positive and brave attitude to life.

Although Lorna had been ill for nearly eight years her sudden deterioration in health in July came unexpectedly. After two weeks in hospital she returned home for five days and was then transferred to the local St John's Hospice where she died peacefully within twenty four hours.

Both Lorna and Timothy had strong associations with Sprotbrough Methodist Church and with St Mary's Parish Church. St Mary's Church was packed to capacity at her funeral on August 2nd. Many have referred to the beauty and peace of the service that was conducted by the Rector, the Rev Stuart Matthews; the Rev Keith Lackenby, Superintendent Minister of the Grantham Circuit and a close friend, gave the address. We thank God for a life full of Christian love, courage in the face of pain and suffering, devotion to her family, and service to others. Lorna is survived by Timothy, and by their two children Kathryn and Richard.

The sum of £2,250.00 was donated in her memory. £1,000.00 was sent to Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield for research. A further £1,000.00 was sent to Fernbank School for Children with Special Needs in Doncaster where Lorna was formerly a teacher. £250.00 was sent to St John's Hospice, Doncaster.