4 January 1951 – 1 July 2019
Caroline worked for the Old Stoic Society as Old Stoic Events Co-ordinator for 10 years and was well known and loved by Old Stoics around the world and everyone who worked with her at Stowe. Since her death in July 2019, we have been inundated with kind words and fond memories from those who knew her.
During her time working in the OS Office, Caroline was instrumental in much of the work we do. Her hard work, efficiency and dedication ensured that our events and communications were top notch for our members. Caroline retired from Stowe in 2017 but we continued to rely on her for her excellent proof-reading skills for The Corinthian, as well as her assistance with our larger events. This included her favourite event of the year, the OS Classic Car Display at Speech Day. Caroline’s last days in the OS Office were in the run up to Speech Day 2019, lending a hand with the plans for the day and marvelling at the cars in the line-up. Caroline’s enthusiasm for the Classic Car Display saw it grow year on year, from 32 cars in 2010 to 143 in 2019. This year will be the 10th display and we plan to pay tribute to Caroline’s memory – oh, how she would have loved to be part of it.
In October 2019, 350 people gathered in Stowe Chapel to celebrate Caroline’s life. Caroline’s daughters, Toria and Gee, together with her brother, Jeremy, put together a wonderful service. This included a selection of poems, readings and hymns chosen by Caroline and a very moving poem written and read by Gee. Jeremy spoke about Caroline’s life and shared tales of her successes and adventures. Colin Dudgeon also paid tribute to Caroline. The memories included amusing stories of her years spent in South Africa; travels with her wide circle of friends, both around the country and the globe; her love of gin, Earl Grey tea, The Archers, gardening and foraging for fruit to make jams and chutneys; her punting prowess; her intense dislike of a hanging participle; her passion for horses, animals and wildlife; and, most of all, the great love she had for her two daughters, Toria and Gee.
Caroline will be remembered for her wonderful warmth and kindness, her gentle sense of humour, and her genuine compassion for and interest in the wellbeing of those she knew.