Sheila Pakes (LHS Staff 1969-1988)

Mrs. Pakes was a Chemistry teacher at Loughborough High School from 1969 until her retirement in 1988.  She was Head of Department for many years, and also became Head of Science, following the retirement of her friend and colleague Betty Mackley.  In addition to her role in the science department, she was a form tutor, usually with fifth- or sixth-form classes.  She was known at school for her cheerfulness; her infectious energy and enthusiasm; her great sense of fun.

Sheila grew up in Blackpool, and attended the Collegiate School for Girls, from 1939 to 1946.  The school premises were shared, for at least part of the time, with a school which had been evacuated from London.  Having achieved excellent grades in her sixth-form exams, Sheila was delighted to be offered a place to study Chemistry at the University of Liverpool.  There were many servicemen returning home at this time, to take up deferred university places.  As these were given priority, places for 18-year-olds were limited, particularly in science and engineering.  Sheila also remembered that as rationing was still in place, family and friends were of great assistance in providing coupons for purchase of clothing and other necessary items!  She lived in an all-female Hall of Residence, where rules were strict, especially in regard to male visitors!  Sheila was the only female student in her honours class.  She  recalled her starring role as “Annie Lean” in a departmental pantomime, playing opposite “Ben Zaldehyde”!  She achieved a First Class degree, specialising in Organic Chemistry.  After a short time in research, she decided to take up teaching as a career, and never looked back.  Her first job was in Warrington (1950-53).  She then returned to Blackpool, to join the teaching staff at her own former school.

Sheila was married in 1959, to Harry Pakes, whom she had met at a sailing club on the Ribble estuary.  Alan was born, in Preston, in 1961.  The family moved to Loughborough in 1962, as Harry took up a lecturing post at the college, later to become Loughborough University.  Frances was born the following year, and Sheila returned to work in 1966.  She taught General Science and Chemistry at Limehurst School (which was at that time a Girls’ Secondary Modern) before her move to LHS in 1969.  (Alan and Frances were enrolled at Fairfield at this time, and proceeded to LGS and LHS, in 1972 and 1974 respectively.)

Sheila loved her teaching career, and with the added benefit of the long holidays, she also loved to travel.  This was mainly in Britain and Europe, but also further afield, and especially after Harry’s retirement.  At various times, they had a canal boat, a camper van, and a caravan.  At home, Sheila enjoyed gardening, photography, baking and sewing.  She (with Harry) was a committed member of their church (United Reformed, in Loughborough).  Sheila loved to meet with friends, especially, after retirement, her former colleagues from LHS.  She was a kind friend to many, and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Sheila died in June 2021, aged 93, after a short illness.  The memorial service at her church was postponed until August this year.  This turned out to be a joyous celebration of her life, and an opportunity for family and friends to share memories. After the service, a buffet meal was enjoyed in the upper hall.  LHS was well represented, by former colleagues, and some pupils. Tables were pushed together, so that retired staff members could sit together, and photograph albums were poured over.

Mrs Pakes always had an important role at the annual carol service at LHS, where, as Head of Chemistry, she was given the responsibility for igniting the incense carried by the second King in the procession!  This caused her great anxiety – although she tackled the task with her usual aplomb!  Fondly remembering this, one of the hymns sung at the memorial service was, “As with Gladness, Men of Old”.  It was a little unseasonal, but the words seemed appropriate, especially the final two verses.

I (Frances) was in my mother’s Chemistry group for both ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels.  Whenever I am asked about this, I reply that I was very happy to be taught by her.  My mother was an excellent teacher, and she treated me like any other pupil.  One of my mother’s colleagues responded to this recently, “Isn’t it more likely that your mother treated everyone alike, as daughters ?”  It is true that we were all “her girls”.  My mother had a big and generous heart, which was evident wherever she was – in her workplace, in the family, in her church.

Mrs Pakes was a born communicator, with a gift for entertaining, as well as teaching, her classes.  She was skilful chemist; a kind and practical form-tutor; a respected and valued colleague; She was also a passionate advocate for girls and women to have access to education and to reach their full potential.  She inspired her pupils, and enriched many lives.  She is greatly missed by her family and friends, and will be fondly remembered by many former pupils and colleagues.