Former deputy head of Leicester school among Leicester Mercury funeral notices this week

Val Tolhurst taught at two Leicestershire schools

The former deputy head of a Leicester school is among those remembered in the Leicester Mercury death notices from this week. Val Tolhurst died peacefully at her home aged 89 after a long career in education.

Her career took her from London to Cardiff and then to Manchester before she came to Leicestershire, where she worked at Bosworth College in Desford throughout the 1970s before becoming deputy head of Hamilton School in Leicester in 1981, where she remained until she retired.

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Here are a selection of the notices published earlier this week.

Val died peacefully at her home in Hough, Crewe, on 30 September 2025 aged 89. Headteacher at Matthew Humberstone School, Cleethorpes 1988-1996, Val began teaching Science in London in 1958 before taking a similar position in Cardiff. Widowed in 1964 and with 2 young daughters, Val took a Science teacher post in Stretford, Manchester and later in 1971 at Bosworth College, Desford, Leicestershire. At Bosworth, she became one of 6 Pastoral Division Heads, and then in 1981 became Deputy at Hamilton School, Leicester. In retirement, she was instrumental in setting up the North East Lincs Credit Union and was an active member of the Grimsby Catholic Church. Burial at 11:00 on 7 November Fenns Meadow Green Burial Ground, Whitchurch, followed in Hough by a celebration of her life. Donations in memory of her love for Grimsby to Centre4 https://gofundme/216fef0b3

(Pat) Passed away peacefully at Aigburth care home on the 26th of September 2025 aged 88 years. Beloved wife to the late Viv. Pat’s funeral service will take place on Monday 27th October 12:15pm at St Anne’s Parish Church, Letchworth Road, Leicester, LE3 6HS, followed by a committal service at Gilroes Crematorium at 13:30pm. Donations in Lieu of flowers if desired to LOROS, donations can be made via a donation box available at the service or by online donation. Further enquiries to: Cental Coop Funeralcare 131 Humberstone Road Leicester LE5 3AD

Passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on the 4th of October 2025, aged 94 years. The Funeral Service will take place on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at Grantham Crematorium at 1.30pm. Family Flowers only please. Donations if desired made payable to Cancer Research UK, may be sent to Mousley Family Funerals, 34 Cranmere Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 1TB. Phone: 01664 561400.

Of Sharnford, passed away on Wednesday 24th September 2025, aged 81 Years. Beloved wife to the late Dave, much loved mother to Jason, Russell & Natalie and a wonderful Grandma to Luke, Emily, Zach & Joe and sadly missed by all her family & friends. All are warmly welcome to join for a celebration of life service which will be held at St Helens Church, Sharnford on Monday 27th October at 3:00pm. The family will gather privately to honour Carol prior to the Church Service. Family flowers only please. Donations are being gratefully accepted for Cancer Research UK in Carol’s memory and can be made online here: www.gseller.co.uk/obituaries c/o G. Seller. All enquiries to G. Seller Independent Funeral Directors, 75 Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1RH. Tel: 01455 637457.

(Jan) A loving mam and nanna, passed away on 26th September 2025 aged 86. Jan’s funeral service will take place on Wednesday 29th October 1pm at Gilroes Crematorium. If you wish to make a donation in Jan’s name this can be made to LOROS via a donation box available at the service or by donating directly to the charity. All enquiries to: Central Coop Funeralcare 131 Humberstone Road Leicester LE5 3AD

During this difficult time, the family of Kyza Derby (D.O.B 27.06.2018) are truly grateful for the ongoing; kindness & support demonstrated by the public. Between 0100hrs and 0300hrs on 23.10.2021, Kyza Derby’s health was documented to suddenly deteriorate leading to cardiac arrest, he died at Leicester Royal Infirmary, in the company of medical staff, and mother Mrs Alice Tatiana Derby. An inquest was completed on 05.01.2023, during which H.M. Coroner Leicestershire confirmed the death of KYZA DERBY lieu first issuance of certificate of death, & registration of death, signed (23.02.2023). Kyza Iszak Nathaniel Derby (KIND) was brain-injured at birth on 27.06.2018, baptised (CoE-KIND) Church of England 28.06.2018 and was much loved by; family, community, Zoes Place, and friends. Despite severe complex challenges of health: caused by University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire Trust, on or after 26.06.2018, on 01.03.2021 full liability was admitted by UHCW Trust, without condition. Kyza Derby is forever dearly missed, he was a beautiful soul, and remains an inspirational person. Administrator of Estate Kyza Derby

Passed away on 7th October 2025, aged 85 years. Janet’s funeral service will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday 29th October 2025 at St Mary’s Church, Anstey. Family flowers only, donations if desired for Alzheimer’s Society may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548

Formerly of Billesdon Passed peacefully away on Friday 3rd October 2025, aged 87 years. Devoted wife of the late John, loving mother to Helen and Jonathan and mother-in-law to Helen and Paul. Adored as granny Chris, by Flora, Jasper, Kit, Evie, Libby and Milly. Funeral Service at St. John the Baptist Church, Billesdon on Friday 24th October at 1.30pm followed by private interment. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to LOROS c/o E.C.Gilbert Ltd Funeral Directors. 4a Oaks Road, Great Glen, LE8 9EF. Tel : 0116 2592267 or online at www.ecgilbertltd.com

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Healy, who departed this life peacefully on Sunday 28th September 2025, at the age of 91 years. Devoted brother to Margaret, uncle to David, Andrea and Angela, great uncle to Nicholas, Joseph, Natasha, Anna, Grace and Mary Jane and great great uncle to six great nieces and nephews. Known foremost for being a Cork Man and for his intellect, interest in politics and his service in the military and as a nurse. His presence brought warmth and kindness to all who knew him and he will be dearly missed. Funeral Mass to be held at St Marys Church, Countesthorpe Road, South Wigston LE18 4PG on Thursday 16th October at 9:30am, followed by the burial at Wigston Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Society. All enquiries to: Ginns & Gutteridge Funeral Directors 129 Leicester Road Wigston Leicestershire LE18 1NS Tel: 0116 278 6291

Passed away at home in Burbage on Friday 3rd October 2025, aged 82 years, surrounded by his family. Trevor’s funeral service will be held at Gilroes Crematorium on Friday 31st October 2025 at 11:00am. Family flowers only by request, donations if desired for Raising Health or LOROS, may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548

of Groby Loving wife of Ron. Passed away on 2nd October 2025, aged 93 years, at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Joyce’s funeral service will take place at 1:30pm on Monday 20th October 2025 at St Philip & St James Church, Groby, followed by interment in the churchyard. Family flowers only, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548

Chartered Accountant, passed away peacefully at home in Welford on 2nd October 2025, aged 68 years. Will be missed by so many. Funeral Service at St Mary the Virgin Church, Welford on Friday 24th October at 11.30am, followed by burial. If possible, please wear a splash of pink in memory of Sue. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, for Médecins Sans Frontières and St Mary the Virgin Church may be made online at www.jstampandsons.co.uk or sent to J. Stamp & Sons, Funeral Directors of Market Harborough. Tel 01858 462524

(Bosworth) (Jo) Loving Wife to Ken. Much loved Mum to Anna and dear Granny. Passed away peacefully on 29th September 2025, aged 81 years. Funeral service to be held at All Saints Church Bedworth on Tuesday 21st October 2025 at 1:00pm followed by Cremation at Heart of England Crematorium. Flowers to be sent in memory of Jo to J E Hackett and Sons, 93 Leicester Road, Bedworth, CV12 8AH Tel : 02476313326

Passed away at Bradley Hall Care Home on Thursday 25th September 2025 aged 98 years. Her strength and love shaped us, and she will be dearly missed. Mary’s funeral service will take place at 11:30am on Monday 20th October 2025 at Gilroes Crematorium. Donations if desired for LOROS Hospice may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548

(Jane) Passed away at home in Scarborough on 7th October aged 85 years. Devoted wife to Keith Charles Pell (deceased), loving mum to Allison and the late Rachael, dear mother in law to Boris and very proud grandma to Louis, André and Raphael. Funeral service on Friday 24th October, 2pm at Woodlands Crematorium, Scarborough, YO12 6QN. Family Flowers Only. Donations to Scarborough Samaritans Resting at G. Roberts Independent Family Funeral Directors, 01723 501027.

Of Broughton Astley passed away suddenly but peacefully, with her family by her side, at Coventry Hospital on 1st October 2025, Aged 73 years. A much loved Mother, Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Godmother, Grandma and Cat Staff Member. The Funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Broughton Astley on Tuesday 4th November at 10:00am followed by cremation at South Leicestershire Crematorium, Foston Rd, Countesthorpe, Leicester LE8 5QP. Donations in lieu of flowers for Home-Start South Leicestershire. Wilf Smith and Son Funeral Services Mill Road, Ullesthorpe LE17 5DE

(Betty) Devoted Wife of Ted. Loving Mum to Paul, Jacqueline and Julie. Cherished Grandma & Great Grandma Who will be greatly missed. Passed away peacefully on the 28th September 2025 Aged 91 years. Betty’s Funeral Service will be held at South Leicestershire Crematorium Foston Road Countesthorpe on Tuesday 28th October at 11am. Family Flowers Only Donations for Alzheimer’s Society will be greatly appreciated and can be given on the day. All further enquiries to Coop Funeral Care 82 Leicester Road Wigston LE18 1DR Telephone 0116 2889486

(Strett / Terry) Passed peacefully away at home on 26th September 2025. Loving husband of Beatrice, brother of Janet and the late Trevor. Will be sadly missed by all the family. Terry will be lovingly missed after 70 years of marriage but leaves happy memories of a life well lived. Beatie x Terry’s funeral service will take place at 12 noon on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at St James the Great, Birstall, followed by committal at Loughborough Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations if desired for LOROS may be made online at www.ansteyfunerals.com or sent to Anstey & District Funeral Service Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT 0116 2340548