The obituary notice of Margaret Norma BIRCH

Rest in peace now, Mo. Back with your beloved John, and little brother Tote.
I will cherish the memories we had forever. Thank you for everything you did for me and the boys, our connection with you & Macclesfield will never fade.
Until we all meet again. Sleep tight & god bless. Mimi. Xxx

Thank you for everything you gave me and showed me, Margaret. Rest in Peace.

Some teachers teach you a subject; others teach about life. Margaret Birch was one of those very special people who did both.

Margaret was my Latin teacher at the High School in Macclesfield from 1975 to 1982. I learned a lot more than Latin from her though. She taught me - by her words and actions- about the pedagogy of care, which is now fundamental to my practice as an academic. What I learned from Margaret was the profound importance of seeing people as individuals, of teaching with human values at the centre of what you do, and of being a real, authentic person. Margaret showed me, through the ways she thought and behaved, how much difference one person can make in another’s life.

I feel incredibly lucky that, over 50 years after she first taught me, we stayed in touch. It has been such a joy to know Margaret not simply as the teacher I remember with affection, but as a real person who I got to know and whose friendship and presence I continued to value throughout my life. I was delighted to have been invited to her 90th birthday party last year and what a wonderful occasion that was!

I will miss Margaret enormously. My thoughts are with Patrick, Rachel, and the all her family at this sad time.

Thank you, Margaret, for the Latin, for the life lessons and for your friendship. You made a difference to me and you were there for me at a time that was difficult for me personally, and I will always remember and be grateful for that.

Rest peacefully, Margaret. You are, and will be, remembered with so much love.

Such a lovely woman, full of love, great faith and so generous. Go in peace Margaret.

Margaret Birch who taught Latin, Ancient Greek and Ancient History at Macclesfield High School (1975- 1994) died peacefully at home with her family at her bedside.
Margaret had a fabulous life- lived to the age of 91 and was active to the end.
Margaret had a reputation as a great teacher and a wonderful person inspiring her pupils to progress their studies. Margaret’s late husband John Birch also taught at the High School on Fence Avenue.

Margaret also made a very significant contribution to the local community. Lots of people remember her time in charge of St George’s Sunday School on High Street from 1968 to 1990. Later she moved to St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church on London Road where she ran Tuesday club for older people for 20 years.

Margaret and her husband John played a major role at the Byron’s Lane allotments off Laburnum Grove. Margaret had an allotment plot for over 50 years.

Margaret’s funeral takes place at 11 am Thursday 5th November at St Edward’s Catholic church on London Road. Everyone is welcome to attend to celebrate Margaret’s life. Donations in honour of her memory can be made to East Cheshire Hospice (See Death Notice}