Since we first met some 23 years ago, I have many happy memories of Lena.  Working together at Exeter College, we had our moments of joy and exasperation!  I was so lucky to find such a good friend to share the rollercoaster of teaching foreign students with some 40 different languages between them!  Lena was always the consummate professional, building up rapport and offering empathy to students and colleagues alike.  She leaves a wonderful legacy in Exeter, where her patience and expertise in teaching English have changed so many asylum seekers' lives.

When we retired we remained very good friends - we were the ladies who lunch, meeting regularly in the City centre - always at M&S at midday.  Lunch was invariably a happy and enjoyable time, discussing the state of the country, upon which we had similar views, having a bit of a rant, and then that would be followed by some shopping and even more discussion.

She was so delighted when her beautiful grandchildren came along and clearly loved being with them.  She would show me the latest photos of them on her phone and tell me of their progress.  She loved having Madeline and Mike, with Lily and Phoebe close by, and always looked forward so very much to her trips to NZ to see Vanya and Craig with Nathan, Sam and Anna.  Clearly, her whole family was her joy and inspiration.

As a close friend, I shall always remember dear Lena with great affection, and I shall miss her so much.