Our school community is deeply saddened by the passing of Helen Shanassy.

So many King's Ely students, families, and staff members will remember Helen as the devoted wife of Neil, who worked at the school for 36 years before he retired in 1997. Neil sadly died in 2017.

Helen moved to Ely in 1971 when she married Neil, and she immediately became an integral part of school life. As a Housemaster’s wife in both Walsingham and School House, she embraced her role with warmth and dedication, often hosting dinners for the boys and Neil’s rugby teams.

Helen worked as an Occupational Health Nurse and Research Nurse in Ely, but she also worked in the school when help was required, supporting her longstanding friend, Thelma Bland, in caring for students with compassion. Helen remained involved in school life even after Neil retired, regularly attending events and supporting the community she loved.

A Service of Thanksgiving for Helen is being held at Ely Methodist Church on Tuesday 18th February at 3pm.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen’s children, Emma and Tim, who are both Old Eleans, their wider family, and everyone who knew and loved her.