THE former Head of Inglefield House, who guided generations of girls through a crucial stage in their education, has died at the age of 70.

Rose Vigrass was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and well-liked member of the Monmouthshire community.

Head of Inglefield between 1998 and 2010, she joined the School as a Year 6 teacher in 1990 and quickly made her indelible mark on the girls in her care.

Mrs Caroline Pascoe, Headmistress of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, said: “Mrs Vigrass was a highly respected and much-loved Head. Calm, kind, unflappable and patient, she encouraged academic endeavour but also instilled a moral compass prizing personal integrity, a desire to help others and a sense of decency and kindness.”

Mrs Vigrass was educated at Camden School for Girls and then went on to University College London to study classics. 

As a post-graduate she worked for the Committee of Vice Chancellors in London before her marriage to Chris, a soldier. 

For the next 10 years she followed him on postings, both home and abroad, as he pursued his army career.

When they returned to the UK, Mrs Vigrass completed her post-graduate qualification in primary education and embarked on her teaching career in the UK and Germany.

The pair first settled in Ross but later moved to Monmouth. 

Last year, they moved again to Surrey to be nearer their children, Jamie and Lucy, and their five grandchildren to whom she was devoted.

On Monday, June 6, she sadly lost her battle with cancer.

Mrs Elaine Thomas, Head of The Grange, worked alongside Mrs Vigrass for over a decade.

She said: “Rose had put up a long and courageous fight against her illness, showing her usual bravery and good humour. 

“She never talked about her illness but was always more concerned in asking after others. She was such a warm, gentle, natural, lovely person.

“Rose was an inspiration to colleagues and girls alike and will be hugely missed by all those who knew her.” 

The Schools send heartfelt condolences to Rose’s husband and family and feel privileged to have worked alongside her for 20 years.