Matilda Grindley (15 Jul 1996 - 9 Nov 2025)

In loving memory of Matilda Watson Grindley who sadly passed away on Sunday 9th November 2025 at St Gemma’s Hospice Leeds, after a very short battle against cancer.

Matilda was born at Beverley Westwood Hospital on 15th July 1996 to parents Andy and Nicky. Matilda was raised in Hessle and attended both primary and senior school there. Matilda attended Wyke Sixth Form College and after achieving the required grades gained a place at the University of Leeds studying Law with French. During her time at University, Matilda completed a year abroad in Nancy, France. She graduated with a 2:1 and after completing a year of teacher training, Matilda was offered a job from her very first interview at Dixons Trinity Academy in Chapeltown as a French teacher, where she has worked ever since. 

Matilda leaves behind her devastated family including parents Andy and Nicky, older sisters Emma and Rachel and her younger sister Tabitha. Along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, friends, colleagues and pupils. Matilda always held strong political views and actively stood up for the underdog. From her school years to most recently attending protests against the genocide in Palestine.
 
The service celebrating Matilda’s life will be held at Cottingley Hall Chapel LS11 0EU at 10:45 on Friday 12th December followed by interment at Cottingley Hall Cemetery.
The celebration of Matilda’s life will continue at The Old White Hart, Beeston LS11 8BZ.
 
We welcome anyone that would like to pay their respects to Matilda to both the service and the wake. Matilda requested that people wear black with a splash of her favourite colour, pink.
 
Donations welcome to St Gemma’s Hospice Leeds. Although Matilda’s stay there was brief, she felt safe and cared for. 
 
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.”- Angela Davis