Mexborough and Swinton Times June 29, 1928

Miss Blanche Smith.
Kilnhurst’s Sad and Sudden Loss

Kilnhurst has this week been shocked and saddened by the utterly unexpected death of Miss Blanche Smith, of 36, Hooton Road, Kilnhurst.

Miss Smith, who. has for many years been a member of the staff of the Kilnhurst Council School, performed her duties there on Tuesday, and attended a meeting, at the United Methodist church in the evening.

Returning home, she had a seizure as she was about to retire to bed, and died within an hour. She was 46 years of age.

Miss Smith was one of the most popular persons in the village, in which she had lived all her life. From early girlhood she has been busy in the cause of charity, and her whole life was devoted to helping and cheering others. She will be remembered particularly for the splendid work she did during the war, in organising the collection of funds and the despatch of parcels to Kilnhurst soldiers and sailors in all parts of the world.

The ex-Service men of, Kilnhurst will never forget her devoted sympathy, at that , time, but long before, that, and ever since she has been active in various directions on behalf of the poor and the sick and the unfortunate, and for the betterment and brightening of the- village of Kilnhurst, of which she was proud and which was proud of her.

She attended the Kilnhurst Board School from infancy, and subsequently became a certificated teacher there, a position which she held at death. Her professional work and character were of the -highest, and the children of the school have lost in her a kind and sympathetic friend, as well as a sound instructor. Her work, was- greatly valued by successive headmasters and by the education authorities.

She was also a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and did splendid work for that church, organising concerts and social functions. She took also the keenest interest in the athletic exploits of the young men and boys of the village, and frequently attended cricket .and football matches, particularly the school matches, and was one of the keenest organisers of the annual school sports, which were to have been held next Tuesday, but in consequence of this sad event have -been postponed for a fortnight.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Saturday 30 June 1928

Funeral of Miss Blanche Smith, Of Kilnhurst.

The funeral took place Kilnhurst, yesterday, of Miss Blanch Smith, of 36, Hooton Road, Kilnhurst, whose death Tuesday removed from that village one who had endeared herself to the inhabitants by reason of a life spent in contributing to the welfare of others.

A teacher for many years at the Kilnhurst Council School, after finishing her duties there on Tuesday she attended meeting of the United Methodist Church in the evening, and returning home had a seizure and died shortly afterwards. Her unexpected death at the age of 46 caused a painful sensation, and at the funeral yesterday there were many evidences of the love and esteem she had won.

At Mexborough she will remembered for her versatile ability in filling various leading roles the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, produced by the old Mexborough and District Teachers’ Operatic Society