Mary, a life of friendship, kindness, compassion, generosity and love.

We, Judy and John Sinclair first met Mary nearly 46 years ago. As intern teachers at Le Rosey, Switzerland, we had already met her husband Peter Cobb, who was also teaching at the school. Just before the summer holidays in 1970, we had been requested by the school to vacate our apartment for two months. I was in despair wondering where to go with our 5 week old son, Chris, (known as Kippy at the time), when Peter invited us to return to England with him to stay in his house in Prestbury near Cheltenham. I was concerned how his wife whom we had never met, would cope with the disruption of a new born baby in the house, but Peter assured me that Mary loved babies. How true. Mary welcomed us with great kindness and understanding.

That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that spanned many years, and many countries,: England, France, Christchurch, New Zealand and grew to encompass not only our growing family, but our parents, John's sister, Julie Abbot and Mark Abbot,
We've enjoyed Mary's hospitality in Spring Cottage, Little Tatchley, Tatchley Retreat, Le Vieux Chateau, Moiron, France, Christchurch New Zealand, and at our holiday house in the Marlborough Sounds, where it was Mary's inspiration to give it the name "Petit Paradis" when she and Peter, Sophy, Kathleen and Gwynedd were our first guests. We were so pleased to spend precious time with Mary last year in Minchinhampton.

Mary was the consummate hostess. We marvelled how she could produce Cordcn Bleu quality meals for many guests with the minimum of fuss. She never forgot how much
John enjoyed "Osso Bucco" and always produced it whenever we stayed with her.

To John, Vicki and family, Charlie and family, Dina, Sophy and Peter Isaac and family, Paul,
On behalf of our family, we, Judy and John Sinclair, Chris and Anthony, Julie and Mark Abbot and our friends, Jenny and Grant Dickey, send our deepest sympathy and love at this time of sadness of Mary's death but also in celebration of her wonderful life.