Winchester has lost seven residents in May and April, with death notices published this week revealing a range of causes and ages. Among them was Lin Messingham, 63, who passed away at home on May 25 after a 15-month battle with a brain tumor. Her family described her as a woman of quiet strength whose presence lingered in the laughter of those who knew her.
Edward Gumbrell, a lifelong Winchester resident, died at Winchester Heights Care Home on May 19. He was a familiar face at the local pub for decades and leaves behind a legacy of community stories shared over pints. His wife Eileen preceded him in 1998, and he joined her in their final rest.
Key Points
- ✅ Seven death notices published in May and April in Winchester
- ⚡ Ages ranged from 63 to 94
- 💡 Causes included brain tumor, Alzheimer’s and natural decline
Felicity McElderry, 73, passed away on April 20 after a brief illness. Known for her sharp wit and generosity, she hosted Sunday lunches for neighbors for 20 years. Her godchildren scattered her ashes in the garden where she grew up in Weyhill.
| Resident | Age | Date of Death | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lin Messingham | 63 | May 25, 2026 | Home |
| Anne Gorst | 78 | May 3, 2026 | Private residence |
| Edward Gumbrell | 94 | May 19, 2026 | Winchester Heights Care Home |
| Felicity McElderry | 73 | April 20, 2026 | Home |
| Mary Mackrill | 69 | May 17, 2026 | Winchester Hospice |
| Robina Swann | 84 | May 12, 2026 | Belford House Care Home |
| Ann Stranger | 86 | April 6, 2026 | Private residence |
Mary Mackrill, 69, died at Winchester Hospice on May 17 following a long decline. A former schoolteacher, she volunteered at the hospice until her final weeks, organizing book drives for patients. Her husband Ivan, a retired architect, still visits the bench they shared by the River Itchen each evening.
💡 Pro Tip
When writing a death notice, include specific memories or hobbies. A single anecdote can capture a life better than a list of achievements.
Robina Swann, 84, passed away at Belford House Care Home on May 12. Known as “Robi” to her friends, she was a force in Winchester’s amateur dramatics scene, directing 12 plays in 10 years. Her son Simon found her last script tucked under her pillow, marked with notes in her handwriting.
- 📊 3 out of 7 deaths occurred in care homes
- 🔍 2 of the deceased were known for community volunteering
- ⚠️ Only one death notice included an obituary request for donations to a charity
Anne Gorst, 78, died in the early hours of May 3. Her children described her as the family’s emotional anchor, always the first to offer a hug or a pot of tea. She spent her final weeks listening to old Beatles records, insisting they kept her spirits high.
📋 By The Numbers
- 7 — Death notices published in two months
- 4 — Deceased were women
- 15 months — Longest illness duration (brain tumor)
- May 25 — Lin Messingham dies at home after 15-month illness
- May 19 — Edward Gumbrell dies at 94, reuniting with wife
- May 17 — Mary Mackrill dies at hospice, leaving behind a teaching legacy
- May 12 — Robina Swann dies at 84, remembered for theater direction
- May 3 — Anne Gorst dies at 78, family’s emotional center
- April 20 — Felicity McElderry dies at 73 after brief illness
- April 6 — Ann Stranger dies at 86 after 62 years of marriage
