The news was shared with us by fellow St Mary's Priory alumna, and OP Committee member, Mary Wheildon, who attended the funeral and represented Princethorpe College on our behalf.

Rachel Farey, one of Phillipa’s nieces, gave a moving eulogy and was kind enough to allow us to share some excerpts here:

"Born in Hythe in Kent on 15 January 1933, Phillipa was the fifth of seven children born to Dick and Olave Cheney; 5 girls and 2 boys.

When she was about three years old, the family moved to the village of Beckford in Gloucestershire, and Phil, like her sisters, attended St Mary's Priory, the convent boarding school in Princethorpe, where she excelled at hockey and enjoyed her school life.

Over the years, Phillipa worked in hospitality, latterly managing The Bay Tree in Burford, where she met her husband, Paul, and often helped with looking after the children of her siblings, all 18 nieces and nephews!

Phil and Paul adored travelling to France, sampling the wines and good food. They were very involved in the village and won top prizes for their jams and chutneys at the village show every year. Phil tended and loved her beautiful garden, knowing the names of all the plants. She was a regular attendee of the Women’s Institute, also becoming President.

There is so much more I can say about her, so many stories to share - 92 unforgettable years; a life well-lived, of good friends, family, gardens, flowers and generosity."