Elizabeth Hodgkin — August 6, 1951 - October 19, 2025

ELIZABETH Hodgkin, a much-loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend of many, died peacefully at her home in Henley on Sunday, October 19. She was 74.

Liz, as she was fondly known, was a very active member of the Henley community, giving her time and care to many organisations within the town.

She was born in Saffron Walden, Essex, in 1951, to Robert and Doris Mitchell, and grew up with her siblings Robert, Helen, Alan and Mary.

Liz went to school in Henley, at Trinity Junior and then Henley Secondary Modern, which became Gillotts School. She also went to school in Hong Kong as the family travelled with their father’s work in the RAF. While in Hong Kong in 1966, Liz first met Richard, her future husband, who was also there with his RAF family.

In 1972, they married at Holy Trinity Church in Henley. But being unable to settle in Henley due to rising house prices, the newlyweds moved to North Essex and then to Caversham Park Village where they started their family.

After seven years in Caversham, with three boys, Andrew, Peter and Christopher, they moved to Henley and settled into the family house in Nicholas Road. Shortly after Sarah was born and many happy years followed.

All the children attended Valley Road primary school and during this time Liz became a valuable part of the school community through the parent teacher association. She helped to fundraise for school events and was regularly seen driving the school minibus.

Liz and Richard enjoyed
51 years of marriage with a busy family life. Her time was spent raising her much-loved children and providing a happy home for Richard to return to from his daily commute into the city.

Liz always supported her children in their choices and kept them busy with attending clubs such as Henley Rugby Club, Brownies and Sea Cadets. The children’s return to the comforts of home was always ensured by Liz’s fantastic home baking and legendary Sunday roasts.

In 2003, Liz was elected to Henley Town Council where she served for 12 years, including two successful terms as Mayor in 2010 and 2015.

During her tenures as Mayor, Richard was very proud to serve as the Mayor’s Consort and together they gave their time to support many local events.

Her love for gardening inspired her to her set up the Gardening Buddies volunteer group and to be instrumental in the Henley in Bloom campaign, where the town received notable success.

Liz also gave her time and service to the youth of Henley, helping to run the youth centre and being an integral part of Thamesfield Youth Association and the Eyot Centre.

As a reflection of her many years of service to the community, Liz was awarded the Henley town medal in 2019.

As an active member of the church, attending regular services, serving as churchwarden, arranging flowers and singing in the choir brought Liz much joy.

Another of Liz’s great achievements was as founder of the town’s choir festival which, again, raised much-needed funds for local charities.

Liz is survived and lovingly missed by her children Peter, Christopher and Sarah, daughters-in-law Becca, Clare and Laura and son-in-law Leigh, grandchildren, Alice, Matilda, Esme, Reuben and Charlie and siblings, Robert, Helen, Alan and Mary.

Her funeral will be held at St Nicholas Church in Rotherfield Greys at 11am on Thursday, November 6, followed by a celebration of her life at Henley town hall. All are welcome.

Liz and her family were helped so much by the Sue Ryder hospice charity and would ask for family flowers only but donations, if desired, can be given to Sue Ryder.

These can be sent c/o Tomalin & Son, 38 Reading Road, Henley, RG9 1AG, or visit elizabeth
hodgkin.muchloved.com