It is with sincere sadness that we announce that Zoe has passed away at the age of 92.

Zoe was born in 1930 and had a very happy childhood growing up with her twin sisters Mary and Biddy, in the village of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. Zoe attended Cheadle Hulme School and later studied at, what is now, The Royal Northern College of Music. She was an accomplished pianist and also played cello. Zoe retained her love of music throughout her life. 

In 1954 Zoe married Lionel and their first home was a flat in the Manchester suburb of Chorlton-cum-Hardy where Zoe worked as a pianist for a local dancing school.  She was soon expecting her first child Sally, who was born in 1955. They then moved to Bramhall and two more children followed, Richard in 1958 and Andy in 1960.

In 1964 the family moved to a large Edwardian semi which is remembered by her children as the family home. It was a lively, happy home. Zoe and Lionel were very sociable and loved having parties. They were also very welcoming to their children’s friends and had quite a laid back attitude which meant it was a house where visitors were always welcome.
 
During this time Zoe committed herself to bringing up her children with care and much love. She was very patient and provided a calming influence on the whole family. Zoe loved animals and became a dog owner; her pet Yorkshire Terrier Minnie had a special place in her heart.
 
Zoe was a highly creative person enjoying dressmaking, needlepoint and she even trained as a silversmith. Zoe created beautiful jewellery for herself as well as for friends and family. 

In 1978 Zoe and Lionel moved south to Gloucestershire. They lived for several years in the chocolate-box village of Stanton. Zoe enjoyed taking classes at the Stanton Guild House where she learned how to spin the fleeces of local Jacob’s sheep. 

Zoe and Lionel came to love the buzz and community feel of nearby Winchcombe where in 1993 they found their dream house. They were both very happy and became actively involved in local life. Zoe joined a choir, helped at the baby clinic as well as becoming a member of both the W.I. and the Ladies’ Probus Group. 

Always a voracious reader, Zoe attended the nearby Cheltenham Literary Festival on an annual basis. She also regularly enjoyed opera and ballet performances, screened at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. 

Zoe and Lionel were both very sociable and enjoyed the friendly and convivial atmosphere of Winchcombe. Zoe loved gardening and spent many years developing her garden which became a gorgeous oasis in the centre of Winchcombe. Zoe and Lionel had six grandchildren. They loved them all dearly, were generous and supportive and always looked forward to their visits to Winchcombe.

As Lionel’s health deteriorated Zoe devoted herself to his care until his death in 2010. Zoe had so many interests and passions that she was able to build a new life as she adjusted to her loss.. 

Towards the end of her life, Zoe found it harder and harder to cope with day-to-day living and in 2021 she moved to the Millers’ Grange Care Home. She was happy there and made new friends who she enjoyed meeting for lunch on a daily basis. 

Zoe was a kind, loving and gentle person who will be hugely missed by her friends, family and all who knew her.