When Sylvia Watering died, not only did her family lose a loved and admired relative but the city also lost a talented and respected musician.
Mrs Watering, of Norwich, brought the joys of playing an instrument to hundreds of schoolchildren in the county and the pleasure of listening to beautifully performed music to many hundreds more.
Born on August 1922, 1932, in Ripon, Sylvia Audrey Shackleton was the second child to parents John Walter Shackleton and Amy Elizabeth.
Her father was a tenor lay clerk in the Ripon Cathedral choir, and the family later moved to Norwich when he took up a position at Norwich Cathedral.
After the outbreak of the Second World War, she was evacuated to stay with family in Nottingham with her elder sister, Margaret. They both returned to Norwich after the war.
She had fond memories of this time, which was spent with her aunt, and they became formative years where her interest in poetry and nature developed.
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Coming from a musical family, she started playing the violin at a very young age and was often accompanied by her sister. Her passion and talent for music resulted in her studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London.
Her vocation began with classroom-based teaching before becoming a string instrument teacher for Norfolk County Council.
Throughout her life she was involved in many musical organisations including the Norfolk and Norwich Amateur Operatic Society, East Norfolk Amateur Operatic Society, and St Gregory's Orchestra.
She also played in quartets with close friends.
Mrs Watering was highly respected for her musical skills and sought after, especially by her brother-in-law, Dennis Johnson, to play first violin in numerous musical productions
Aside from music, she enjoyed playing hockey up to county level, running, and was a keen supporter of Norwich City Football Club. She also enjoyed travelling and once made the journey to John O' Groats in Scotland on just a scooter.
In 1970, her musical activities saw her cross paths with Norwich clarinetist, David Watering. The couple married later that year and would go on to have twins, Elizabeth and Graham, in 1972
Mr Watering, who was also respected and admired in Norwich musical circles, died in early 1988 following an illness.
After she retired, Mrs Watering took up the practice of reflexology and other alternative therapies, something she enjoyed for many years.
Then, in 2005, she became paralysed following a spinal bleed.
Paying tribute, her family said: “She showed immense courage and determination to rebuild her life and with the help of family and dedicated carers she continued to live life to the full, playing in quartets and even taking up swimming on a regular basis.
“Her fortitude and determination were an inspiration to all those around her.
“She was a lovely lady, as her friends and family would attest.”
Last year, aged 90, she received a diagnosis of advanced dementia. Although this had a big impact on her daily life, she continued to enjoy playing board games and listening to music.
Mrs Watering died at home with her family around her on Saturday, April 1.
Her funeral took place at Earlham Crematorium on Wednesday, April 26. Donations were raised for the Alzheimer's Society.
- To read all of the EDP obituaries and tributes visit www.edp24.co.uk/topics/obituary.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
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