The Ven, Paul Hooper writes:

HILARY UNWIN played an active part at the churches in Chesham, while both supporting her husband in the setting up of his veterinary practice and raising their four boys. This led to her becoming an accredited lay minister, and she worked as a theological trainer and educator in the diocese of Oxford. She was also a Bishops’ Selector for potential ordinands.

During the 1990s, she served on the General Synod, and was an active member of the Movement for the Ordination of Women. Over the years, Hilary encouraged countless vocations to ordained and lay ministries, and, in 2019, she took great delight in the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the first ordinations of women as priests in the Church of England.

A family funeral was followed by a well-attended service of thanksgiving in Chesham. The congregation included a former incumbent of the parish and former Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Revd Robin Smith. Alongside heartfelt gratitude for her life and witness, there were many stories and much merriment.

Hilary is survived by her husband, David, their four sons, Robert, Martin, Julian, and Gregory, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Her closest family were at her bedside as she passed to glory. May she rest in peace and be raised to life eternal.

Hilary Mary Unwin, née Dingle, died on 24 December 2022, aged 84.