Sheena Purdom (1948-2025)
Sheena spent 13 years as a pupil at James Gillespie’s, at a time when it was an all girls school. She made lifelong friends and remained an active member of the local community. Sheena trained as a teacher and followed a career in education until she retired. She taught biology in several Edinburgh high schools, retiring eventually from Leith Academy.
Sheena was always keen to support those who needed an extra helping hand and after retirement, while her daughter was still a pupil at Gillespie’s, she volunteered on the Parent Council, and later represented them on James Gillespie’s Trust. In recent years she has served as a Trustee, giving her time and expertise where it was most needed to support the young people and staff at JGHS. She was always keen to ensure all pupils were able to participate in school activities and that financial barriers were removed wherever possible. Her time as a Trustee culminated with three years serving as chair of the Trust until she stepped down in November 2024. Sheena made a real difference to so many young people and her legacy will continue as the needs and interests of young people will continue to guide the decisions of the Trust in future.
Sheena has a special place in our hearts and she will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with her friends and family, particularly Ian and Anna.
Her funeral service will be held in the Mortonhall Crematorium at 2pm on Friday 28 February 2025. This will be followed by a celebration of Sheena’s life for friends and family at the Braid Hills Hotel. Family flowers only please. Donations will be collected for Air Ambulance Scotland and Guide Dogs.
For those unable to attend, the service will be available online here with username: xizu3321 and passcode: 029625