Remembering Gill: A Tribute

Sad News

• Gill, beloved teacher and colleague, passed away in February 2024 due to brain cancer.
• Handled diagnosis with strength and continued teaching and organizing events.
• Supported by friends, family, and excellent care from St. Christopher's Hospice.
• Donations in Gill's memory can be made to St. Christopher's Hospice (details provided in video description).

Gill's Life and Career

Early Life

• Born in 1954 in Derby, England.
• Studious from a young age with a passion for learning.
• Faced family disapproval for her interest in pop music and pursuing university education.
• Attended secretarial college but took additional courses in French and singing.

Move to London

• Moved to London at age 20 to audition for the Royal College of Music (not admitted).
• Worked at a software company and the Royal Opera House while singing in choirs.
• Earned degrees in English and art history, completing a PhD on Sir John Tenniel.

Marriage and Family

• Met future husband, Richard Stoker, while working on jazz compositions in 1984.
• Richard was a composer; they supported each other's careers.
• Settled in Blackheath, London, involved in community events.

Career Highlights

• Lecturer at Open University; worked in health policy.
• Worked for 25 years at Mary Evans Picture Library, known for fantastic memory and energy.
• Retrained as an actor and singer, performing in stage and film productions.
• Authored a one-person play about composer and suffragette Dame Ethel Smythe.
• Volunteered as an English teacher, helping newcomers to England.

EngVid Teacher

• Started teaching at EngVid, known for clear and approachable style.
• Integrated interests in history, literature, and community into lessons.
• Created poetry videos and an ongoing online project 'Poems and Pictures' at Mary Evans Picture Library.

Personal Life and Legacy

• Richard passed away in 2021; Gill established a trust in his memory to support music education.
• Maintained humility despite achievements, listened to others, and worked quietly.
• Passion for languages; practiced Portuguese even in hospice care.
• St. Christopher's Hospice relies on donations for care – link provided for support.

Musical Tribute

• Closing with a recording of Gill and Richard performing James Taylor's "Fire and Rain".
• A heartfelt reminder of Gill's talents and contributions.

Final Thoughts

• Gill's life was rich in poetry, art, and music, marked by hard work against societal expectations.
• Remembered as a humble, dedicated individual who impacted many lives.