13-2-09: BAGPIPES were played at the funeral of a former Sidmouth teacher at Woolbrook. Scottish-born Monica Lock (nee Irvine), who died in hospital on Saturday, January 31, aged 80, taught at Manstone Infants then Kentisbeare village school.

13-2-09: BAGPIPES were played at the funeral of a former Sidmouth teacher at Woolbrook.

Scottish-born Monica Lock (nee Irvine), who died in hospital on Saturday, January 31, aged 80, taught at Manstone Infants then Kentisbeare village school.

She was the widow of the late Councillor Frank Lock, a town councillor and chairman of Sidmouth Urban District Council and East Devon District Council, after whom Lock Close was named.

When two, her father died and Monica, the youngest of three, moved to Maybole, Ayrshire.

In Edinburgh she qualified as a teacher, moving back to Ayr to work as a primary teacher.

In the summer of 1966, while holidaying in Devon, she met Frank at an evening folk dance event in Connaught Gardens.

A widower for three years, Frank had seen three of his six children move to either Canada or New Zealand, and Monica "lit up his empty life," said elder daughter Patricia Tricker.

Frank and Monica married in 1968 in Scotland and, after 'emigrating' to Sidmouth, she quickly integrated into the local community, supporting Frank with his council work, promoting East Devon and Sidmouth's interests.

The couple had no children of their own but, when son Iain returned from Canada aged nine, she brought him up, spending many hours helping him learn his French vocabulary.

Frank and Monica supported many local charities, including Sidmouth Twinning Association and Sid Vale Association, as well as Sidmouth folk festival and the Conservatives.

In her 70s she continued her active life, doing square dancing, playing badminton, handbell-ringing and learned how to use a computer.

With dementia taking its toll, she remained at home with the help of carer Pam and two years ago attended the official naming of Lock Close.

Monica was a regular worshipper at St Francis' Church, Woolbrook, and the Reverend Rik Peckham gave a eulogy at her funeral, which was followed by cremation.

She is survived by step children Patricia, Alison, Iain, Michael and Julia as well as 12 grandchildren.