Susan Mansergh
15th January 1936 – 3rd December 2025

Former Head of Geography and Housemistress 1963 -1996

Written by Sue’s nephew, Andrew Jackson

Born in 1936 at Grey’s Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Susan was one of three children. Her father, head-hunted as headmaster to rescue Hilton College, at that time a struggling boys’ boarding school, had moved the family to Natal from the UK. In 1947, following the end of the war, the family returned to England, settling first in London and then at Penstrassoe Barton, a farm in Cornwall. Susan went to Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, distinguishing herself both academically and on the sports field, becoming House Captain of lacrosse and cricket and swimming for her school.

Susan went on to read Geography at St Hugh’s College and played lacrosse for Oxford. Afterwards she did post-graduate teacher training at Cambridge. She was awarded Blues at both universities. Her teaching career began in High Wycombe, but soon moved to St Swithun’s School, Winchester, where she stayed for the rest of her working life, as head of the Geography Department. Former pupils remember her
with great affection, describing her as an inspirational teacher who instilled a love of geography and learning.

When she finally retired in 1996, she threw herself into the life of Stockbridge, the Hampshire village she had made her home. She was a stalwart of the local church, supporting the upkeep of ‘Old’ St Peters and loved attending services at St Nicholas Church Leckford. She played an active role in the Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society and was a regular walker and organiser of outings for the University of the Third Age.

While having no immediate family of her own, she was very much family to many. Susan was always ready to support her parents, siblings, nephews and nieces. She energetically arranged many get togethers for friends and family, meticulously organised picnics at the Chichester Festival, and annual outings to Hyde Park and the Proms. She is remembered as “a model of positivity, being always cheerful.”

A passionate traveller, Susan’s adventures often with her friend Joanna, took her far afield, ranging from Turkey and Ukraine, to the Nepalase mountains and the British School at Rome. She was an inveterate letter writer, a keen family historian and a formidable crossword solver.

Susan is survived by her sister-in-law, Pam, brother-in-law, Ted, five nephews and nieces, several godchildren and a wide circle of friends, all of whom will remember her with deep affection and gratitude. She had a full and rich life which we and many friends and family were fortunate to be part of. ■

Published in the OGA Chain 2025.