A FORMER nurse and stalwart of local amateur dramatics has died, aged 65.

Judith Pattison was born in Ampleforth on November 11, 1944, following the evacuation of Bootham School where her father was a teacher.

She was educated at Ackworth School in West Yorkshire and Queen Anne Grammar School in York.

She then trained at York County Hospital where she began her nursing career.

When the hospital closed, she moved to the newly-built York District Hospital where she was a staff nurse in the children’s ward until ill health brought about early retirement.

Throughout her life she was passionate about music, horses and owls. In her teens she joined the Clifton Hospital Amateur Operatic Society and appeared in a number of shows in the old hospital theatre. She later joined New Earswick Amateur Operatic Society with whom she appeared in 56 shows between 1971 and 1996. She was the society’s publicity officer for many years and a life vice-president.

Diagnosed with a brain tumour she underwent an operation in early 1997 and was soon back on stage with The Occasion Choir, based in Copmanthorpe.

She went on to sing in 53 concerts, the last one on March 4, only a few days before her health took a turn for the worse.

Judy was married to Albert Pattison, the Secretary of the York Senior Cricket League for 44 years.

Mr Pattison said: “She was my best friend, soulmate and life-long companion.”

She died on May 13 following the return of the tumour.

She also leaves daughters Samantha and Emma, grandchildren Catherine, Sarah and Matthew and elder brother and sister, Jasper and Shirley.