Life story retold by Dr Rhi Smith, Director of UMASCS (University Museums & Special Collections Services)
Jessie Mary DURBRIDGE died on Mar 25th 1927 aged 21 having just started her job as a newly qualified teacher at Alfred Sutton Primary School. She was born on 14th June 1905, the daughter of William Alfred (a Railway Clerk) and Annie Eliza. She grew up at 16 Gloucester Road, West Reading with her older siblings Winifred Annie and Walter Alfred.
She studied at Kendrick School becoming prefect and then Head Girl. Following her death she was described by friends from the school as ‘always a good chum’ and ‘respected by staff and pupils alike’.
She then studied to become a teacher at University College Reading graduating with her Bachelors degree (from University College London as UCR was not yet a University) in May 1926.
She started teaching at Alfred Sutton School on Wokingham Road in the Autumn of 1926. That winter she contracted a ‘virulent influenza’ and was taken into a nursing home. Reports from the time show that a smaller outbreak of influenza spread from London in the winter of 1926. Several operations were undertaken but she ultimately died.
Her funeral took place at All Saints Church near Bath Road. She received floral tributes from many people including the staff of Alfred Sutton and the children in her class.
Jessie died of influenza 25th Mar 1927 of ‘virulent influenza’ had an operation in a nursing home but died. Funeral in All Saints Church (she lived on Bath Road) and was buried in Old Cemetery 29 Mar 1927 aged 21. She was living at 37 Bath Road at time of death.
Her death was listed in the school’s log book and the headteacher, Miss Chattaway, the staff, and the class gave her a floral tribute.
unmarked grave, location unknown at the moment