It is with great sadness to announce that Mrs Teresa Hayes - a dear friend and once childminder to numerous families at Fielding School has died very suddenly following a short illness.

Teresa (age 66) of Portuguese nationality and formerly of Cawdor Crescent; passed away from advanced stage cancer on Saturday 17th March 2018 surrounded by her family.

She leaves her husband of 40 years - Jim, and their son James. Her passing has been such a shock to all who knew and loved her.

Teresa has looked after so many children from Fielding over a span of over 20 years until October 2014 when she and her husband retired to Kent.

In addition to the preschool children who were with Teresa, she ferried countless children over the years to and from Fielding in the mornings and after school and back for tea and will always be remembered for her loving dedication to those in her care; and not least for the wonderful meals she provided for our children. No parent could want for better care.

She was the most loving and caring individual who was always in demand as a mature, experienced professional; but it's fair to say that Teresa was more like a Grandmother to all her charges and their families, and will be dearly missed. Teresa was the 'Pied Piper of Northfields' because you would always see a trail of children by her side and given the span of Teresa's working years, many of her charges are now in secondary school and beyond, but a number are still at Fielding, or have older siblings in secondary school.

We are thankful that Teresa has graced our lives as she has played a significant role in shaping our children. She will be remembered with deep affection having served this Northfields community and so many Fielding School families.

Teresa's funeral took place on Tuesday 27th March in Bexleyheath, Kent. A memorial and donation page has been set up in her memory and will remain open for a couple of weeks for anyone who would like to add their memories www.funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/44236. Additionally, a mass will be said in memory of Teresa at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Camborne Avenue, Northfields on Sunday 13th May at 6.30pm. All are welcome.

Thank you from Teresa's friends and families of Northfields