Patsy SUMPTER

Miss Sumpter was truly one of a kind. The powerful withering look that could change your day as quick as the wink that might have followed! So many happy memories of my 6 years at Rye have her in them. The Christmas Tangerine parties where she would call in the cooks and we would applaud the huge Christmas Cake. A sad loss, rest in peace xxx

My two youngest daughters both attended Rye St Anthony during the time that Patsy Sumpter was Head Mistress. I was very happy with the school ethos and the way that my daughters were guided during their formative years. May God welcome Patsy into His kingdom and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace.

Miss Sumpter was a truly great headmistress always kind and fair. Yet I knew not to cross her. It amazed me how well she knew each pupil. She was kind, honest and wise.
I remember one lesson being visited by her - I was terrified, thinking I was in trouble to be asked by the headmistress to come out of the class. I wasn't in trouble, she wanted me to climb all the apple trees to shake down apples into a rug she and another pupil were holding underneath. A great headmistress.

Patsy was truely missed when she retired from Rye. She ran the school like a home from home, rather than a business. I'll never forget her Afghan biscuits she made for Charities Day or seeing her tending to the school gardens. As mentioned previously, she was firm but fair and an incredible headmistress.

A fantastic lady who believed in all the girls at Rye. She was an inspiration to us all and will be missed. Miss Sumpter's smile will not be forgotten. God Bless.xx

As an old Rye girl I have such fond memories of the 8 years spent there. Miss Sumpter was a most amazing and unforgettable headmistress. She was so dedicated and had respect from each and every girl as she was so fair but firm, certainly managed to keep us all in line. How can one forget the burning look from her eyes when she caught you doing something wrong. Yet so kind hearted and caring. I am sure all here pupils will have memories of her forever. So sorry I can't be there for the service held at Rye.

My sincerest condolences to the Sumpter family. I am an old Rye girl and remember Patsy with such fondness. She was a formidable Head with a big heart. She knew each and every one of us; where we supposed to be and when, especially when we weren't! Yes indeed, a look spoke a thousand words; what a character! The end of an era...

Requiescat in pace Miss Sumpter, a truly dedicated headmistress. At the time you had my respect, with hindsight you have my appreciation.

Getting up for the early edition of Thought for the Day and knowing the timetable of every girl in the school? No wonder we never got anything past you! I hope my daughter gets a headmistress like you.

I was very sad to hear this news. Miss Sumpter didn't need to shout ..a look could say a thousand words! Having said that, I agree with the above that she certainly had a softer side and always had that twinkle in her eye. A compliment or a wink from her meant ALOT:) I loved my time at Rye and she taught us alot not just academically but about respect for one another and particularly our elders. To me she was the last of what we fondly remembered as the "Old Rye"
My condolences to her family and friends.

Formidable headmistress who also had a soft side! I really enjoyed my time at Rye whilst she was head!