Tributes paid to much-loved lollipop lady

Tributes have been paid to a "much loved" Wolverhampton school crossing warden, who remained in the job up until her death aged 91.

Patricia Hunting started her career in the local police force, before joining City of Wolverhampton Council in 1976 when school crossing warden responsibilities were transferred to local authorities.

For nearly 50 years, Ms Hunting, known as Pat, has been a familiar face in Pond Lane, Ettingshall, helping children from SS Mary and John's Catholic Primary Academy and Grove Primary School cross the road.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday 17 December at Holy Trinity Church on Farrington Road in Ettingshall, starting at 13:30 GMT, with anyone welcome to attend.

The funeral cortege will stop briefly at the crossing point where Pat worked at about 13:00 GMT on its way to the funeral service, to give pupils and staff the chance to say a final farewell.

Ms Hunting's sister, 88-year-old Joyce Evans, paid tribute to her sister, saying: "Pat absolutely loved her job, and she was loved by all the children, parents and grandparents – most of who she has also helped cross the road over the years.

"It wasn't just a job to her it was her life, her love and her happiness and she always looked forward to seeing 'her children' as she would call them.

"She was always armed with pockets full of sweets and no matter what the weather she wanted to do right by the children, as she always did with her family – she always told her grandchildren 'I love you to the moon and back' and she absolutely did.

"All the family are heartbroken, and I am immensely proud to call her my sister, we will all miss her dearly."

In 2023 Pat was presented with a council long service award by former Mayor of Wolverhampton Dr Michael Hardacre and she continued to be employed by the council up until her death.

Karen Till, school crossing patrol supervisor at the council, said: "Pat viewed her role as a privilege, taking joy in seeing children smile and listening to their stories.

"Many greeted her with hugs, and she proudly recalled helping multiple generations cross safely, including the great-grandchildren of those she first assisted.

"Her dedication, warmth, and community spirit will never be forgotten. Pat loved her job wholeheartedly, and she was loved in return by children, parents, and grandparents alike."

Councillor Qaiser Azeem said: "Patricia Hunting embodied the very best of public service. Her unwavering dedication and kindness touched countless lives.

"Our thoughts are with Pat's family, friends, and the entire school community at this difficult time."

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