A service has been held in memory of a well-loved Craven child worker and mentor known to many as “Auntie Sue”.

Susan Margaret Skelton (Nee Lancaster) was born to Harold and Margaret (Eileen) Lancaster on June 16, 1951 in Nelson, Lancashire, where she lived until 1960 when a career opportunity for her father saw the family move to Airedale Terrace in Skipton.

Susan and her older brother David attended Greatwood Primary School then Aireville Secondary Modern School, where Susan became Head Girl 1966-67.

Upon leaving school Susan worked in the retail trade, first at Kay Coopers and then Brown Muffs, before becoming a window dresser in 1967 at Roy Marlors Gentlemen Outfitters.

It was here she met many interesting local celebrities and sportsmen such as Freddy Trueman and Peter Parfitt. Susan became responsible for the window displays at all three of Roy Marlor’s shops at Skipton, Burnley and Blackburn.

In 1972 Susan met her future husband Sydney Skelton at the birthday party of a mutual friend in the Black Horse Hotel at Hellifield.

Sidney was a keen rugby player for Skipton Rugby Union FC and was accompanied by Susan on many social occasions.

In 1973, Susan and Sidney met Jim and Maureen Taylor who were looking for somewhere to hold dancing classes. Susan suggested the temporary use of the new rugby club and this was the start of what was later to become the Melody Dancing Club on Shortbank Road.

Susan and Sidney were married in May 1975 and Susan carried on working at Roy Marlors until the birth of Katherine Margaret in 1978.

This happy occasion was followed three years later by the birth of Joseph Robert in 1981.

When the children were a bit older, Susan began work at Embsay Play Group which was run by Joyce Firth, a close family friend. This kindled what was to be a passion for the care of children and started her on a second career in child care. Susan studied at Craven College and attained NVQs and teaching qualifications which enabled her to pass on her many skills and great wisdom in child care, in particular the care of children with special needs. Susan worked for several years at the Ghyll School for Special Needs & Respite and gave assistance to local families with children requiring special care. Later in her career Susan became an adjudicator and verifier for Tyro Training, mentoring many student nursery nurses over a wide area of Yorkshire. Many of her students became close friends and would keep in touch long after attaining their qualifications referring to her as Auntie Sue.

Susan carried on communication with her students via her website Mr NVQ. It was a testament to Susan’s character that she kept her contact with her fellow carers right up until finally succumbing to cancer in Manorlands Hospice on May 15, passing peacefully away in the company of her immediate family and dedicated carers.

Being the ever thoughtful person Susan prepared for her passing by leaving detailed instructions as to her funeral arrangements.

A Humanistic Service was carried out by Brook Smith Funeral Directors, Rev Lisa Holmes at Walton Rays Chapel of Rest on May 21, and donations were collected for Manorlands Hospice. The service was attended by family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, in true celebration of the life of “Auntie Sue” a lady well worthy of remembrance.