Retired York teacher Mabel Galpine has died at the age of 90 after a short illness.

Miss Galpine, who lived in Osbaldwick and Hull Road for most of her life, was a loved and respected teacher at St Wilfrid's RC Primary School for more than 30 years.

A former pupil of the Bar Convent in the 1920s, she was also an accomplished organist, and played for many years at church services and weddings in the St Wilfrid's, St George's and St Aelred's parishes.

Her devotion and services to the Roman Catholic church were recognised in 1972 when she was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Paul VI.

Up until the last few months of her life, she and her bicycle were a familiar sight in York and her niece, Margaret Smith, said she would be fondly remembered by her many friends for her independence, her indomitable spirit and her lifelong love of, and devotion to, her family.

She also leaves a nephew.

A Requiem Mass will be offered at St Aelred's Church, Tang Hall, next Wednesday, February 7, at 11.30am.

Updated: 15:28 Tuesday, January 30, 2001