Estelle Sharp (died 11 September 2004)

(Obituary by Marie McAuley, Dorothy Eagleson and Peggy Elliott)

Estelle Sharpe MB 1948, died on Saturday 11 September 2004 after a courageous battle with a long illness.

Those of us who knew Dr Estelle Faith (Sharp) have been left with a lasting memory of an outstanding but very private person. 

Estelle graduated in Medicine from Queen's University in 1948.  After a very short time in General Practice, she specialised in Ophthalmology, firstly working in the Benn Hospital and then transferring to the Royal Victoria when the new Eye Hospital opened in 1964.  She was held in great esteem by her colleagues, who valued her friendship as well as her sound medical opinion.

Unfortunately, her husband Norman died when her children were still teenagers.  Some years later, however, she was to see both of them rise to the top in their respective professions: Leslie, a psychiatrist of note in Manchester, and Mark, a successful lawyer in London.  When her mother became ill she came to live with Estelle, who looked after her for some years until she died.

Her responsibilities now less, Estelle was free to enjoy her many interests - music, art, theatre and literature, and was a constant attendee at all our local cultural centres as well as travelling extensively abroad.  She was an avid reader, and was a member of the Linenhall Library, always promoting its cause.  She also took part in the activities of the local and national branches of the National Trust and of the Friends of the Museum.

Apart from these leisure activities, she found time to help those less fortunate and worked assiduously for many charities.  For several years she was a counsellor at the Samaritans, and also at the Mastectomy Society.  After successful heart surgery she joined the Chest Heart and Stroke Association and could be seen standing in the rain and wind collecting for their funds.

Estelle was a hard working member of the committee of the Queen's Women Graduates' Association, and also of the University Women's Club.  Estelle was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed. 

 

 

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