Sheila Ann Sowter

Sheila Sowter (1936-2018) was born on 7 August in Derby. She was an only child after an older sibling died in infancy. After growing up in Essex, Sheila won a place at Cambridge University where she completed a degree in natural sciences. She went on to gain a mathematics degree from the Open University and she became a lecturer in geology, earth sciences, mathematics as well as in teacher training. In 1976, Sheila gave birth to Connie and became a single mother. Sheila had a vast array of interests. She enjoyed travelling, alone as well as with Connie, she was multilingual, and she had a deep love for opera, especially Wagner. She was also a member of MENSA. Sheila died on 6 April 2018, aged 81.