In Remembrance of  

Mrs Susan Denise Parkinson

Mrs Susan Denise Parkinson, former Headteacher at Norden High School & Sports College, passed away on Monday 6 October 2008 after a long illness.  Aged 54, she leaves her loving husband Gerry, her children, Chris, Sarah and Rebecca and her parents, Monica and Les. 

Known as Denise, she lived in Lower Darwen with her family. She was born in Stockport and lived in Marple Bridge and Garstang as a child and young woman.  She started her teaching career at Unsworth High School, Bury in 1976, where she taught Science.  When her children were young she taught part-time at Rochdale and Bury Colleges.  She commenced teaching at Whitworth High School in 1989, where she was later promoted to Head of Science and subsequently to the Deputy Headteacher.  Denise was always passionate about teaching and young people, and had a desire to improve the lives of pupils in every school in which she taught.

Denise was appointed to the post of Headteacher at Norden in September 2000, where she remained until ill health forced her premature retirement in August 2006.  On her arrival at Norden she immediately set about improving the school.  She was a great believer in the importance of sport for young people and was very much the driving force in ensuring the school achieved sports college status in 2004.  Denise was also responsible for successfully bidding for funding which enabled the school sporting facilities to be improved beyond all recognition, including the provision of a new sports hall, fitness suite and all-weather pitch.

Denise will be remembered as a colleague and a friend, as well as a Headteacher.  She was an inspirational leader, always concerned for the welfare of staff and pupils, and relentlessly focused on her vision for the school.  Her catchphrase of ‘standing still is not an option' was a constant reminder of her desire to improve achievement at Norden. 

During her time at Norden, Denise was very much involved with the local community and many people will remember her with fondness and respect.  She was the first female member of the Rotary Club of Great Harwood, where she earned the admiration of her fellow-members.

Her family and friends believe that Denise would not want people to focus on her passing away.  She was always extremely positive and throughout her 4-year battle with cancer surprised medical staff, family and friends with her resilience and optimism.  It is not surprising then that she has requested that her funeral be a celebration of her life and specifically asked that people dress informally for the occasion.

We at Norden High School & Sports College feel privileged to have known such a wonderful lady.  Please add your memories to our book of remembrance.

 Book of Remembrance