FORMER students, colleagues, and community members are paying heartfelt tribute to a cherished Droitwich educator and local figure, following news of her passing.
Janet Mealor, maiden name Bateman, is remembered as the longest-serving teacher at Droitwich Spa High School, dedicating almost four decades of her life to educating and mentoring generations of pupils.
Serving as a head of year to more than a thousand students, Janet became a pillar of the school community, widely admired for her passion, warmth, and unwavering belief in her pupils’ potential.
Janet’s son Sam Mealor told the Standard: “All my mom ever wanted was to make a difference in kids lives and give me and my sister the best life she could.
“She accomplished both of those things and I am so proud of her and how she remained her self right to the end.”
Janet ‘bravely’ fought breast cancer for many years and died, aged 71, on July 22, 2025. Janet was Droitwich born and bred. She grew up in a council house on Winslow Avenue.
The once ‘mischievous’ student herself, played hockey and threw discuss at county level. She loved dogs, enjoyed puzzles, was a keen gardener, and had a hidden talent for darts.
She was a physical education teacher until she fell pregnant with Sam and transitioned into teaching maths.
Her husband, Terry Mealor, passed away six years ago. The couple leave behind their children, daughter Sarah and son Sam. Janet also leaves behind her two younger sisters, Lesley and Cath.
After her death, Sam shared details of her passing on social media with dozens of tributes pouring in.
“She was a cracking teacher. Firm but fair, and gave me hope that I wasn’t completely useless at maths,” one former student shared. “Sorry to read she’s no longer with us – condolences to all friends and family.”
“She taught me back in the day and had a great sense of humour. She was a lovely lady,” wrote another former pupil.
“Always approachable and willing to help anyone.”
Sam says her success as a teacher came from her willingness to support the students who were struggling – the so called ‘naughty’ ones whom no one else gave the time of day to.
He added: “That’s why she was so loved. [There were] parents who thought there kids wouldn’t achieve but did because of my mom.”
The beloved teacher’s funeral will take place at 11am in The Vale Crematorium in Evesham on Tuesday, August 19. All those who knew Janet are invited to attend.
Donations can be made to Cancer Research UK in honour of Janet at the end of the service. In her memory, those attending her funeral are asked to wear pink, the colour associated with breast cancer awareness.
- The Standard incorrectly published the date of Janet’s funeral as ‘Monday, August 19’ in Friday’s print edition of this weeks paper. The date of the funeral is in fact Tuesday, August 19.
- Janet died on July 22, 2025 and not June 22, 2025 as reported.
