Allison Surtees Obituary
Allison Surtees, loving mother and grandmother, passed away on 8 September 2025, following a two-year battle with cancer. She was a courageous fighter and wanted nothing more than to have every moment she could with her family and friends. Allison lived every moment with joy and love and celebrated the people around her.
Allison worked for many years at Sneyd Academy in support of thousands of children over the course of more than 25 years. Those children brought light and life to her. She worked in nearly every support capacity in her time at the Academy, from dinner lady to special needs to teaching assistant to “Chief Stationary Officer”.
Everything Allison did was in support of people around her. She enjoyed providing love and guidance for her children and grandchildren. She was a second mum to grandchildren and was a support pillar for her children as they grew and started families of their own.
Allison lived for humour, smiles and laughter. She never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her and was always the person who would change a serious subject into a wise crack. Crass and sometimes inappropriate humour and her realism about her prognosis were often a source of laughter for her family. Ever pragmatic, Allison knew that perhaps her time was short – though no doubt she anticipated more. She never minced words about her diagnosis, nor was she one to bemoan her circumstance. Rather, she imbued joy and humour into every moment.
Allison is survived by her children: Mark Cloke, Michael Surtees, Cosmo Surtees; grandchildren: Tyla, Violet; mother Pam Cloke and sister Val Hobson. In addition, her legacy is celebrated by countless friends, coworkers and, of course, the many children whose lives she impacted.
She was preceded in death by her father, Derek Cloke.
A celebration of life will take place on 17 October 2025, beginning at 4:00pm at St Andrews Church, Sneyd Green. A time of gathering will begin at 3:30pm until the service starts. Please wear your silliest apparel in Allison’s honor. She would love that.
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