Sisters close, even in death

WELL-KNOWN Uckfield sisters Paddy and Betty Ditch have died within three weeks of each other.

WELL-KNOWN Uckfield sisters Paddy and Betty Ditch have died within three weeks of each other.

Paddy, real name Mary, 82, died in Uckfield Hospital on February 28. Her sister Betty, 87, died in the same hospital on Tuesday last week. They had both been suffering ill health for some months.

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Both were residents of Uckfield for most of their lives. The sisters lived together in New Town, neither having married.

Paddy and Betty jointly ran a successful Peoples National Education Union school in Uckfield for around 40 years. The school was for children of kindergarten age to 11.

Among their many hobbies was a keen interest in ornithology and all things associated with nature. They also made high quality soft toys which were sold at craft fairs in the area, the proceeds going to a school for the blind in Brighton and a similar school for the deaf in Burgess Hill.

Following the hurricane of October 1987, a memorial stained glass window was placed in Holy Cross Church, Uckfield, as a gift from Betty and Paddy. It depicts St Francis, the patron saint of animals and all the good things associated with nature.

Paddy's funeral took place on Tuesday March 12. Betty's funeral took place yesterday (Thursday). Their ashes are to be interred together in the churchyard at Holy Cross Church.

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