THE sons of a former rocket scientist and teacher have paid tribute to their mother, who has died at the age of 86.

Beryl Margaret Cooper was born in Birmingham before moving to Worcester.

She worked as a scientist in Rolls-Royce’s rocket division from 1959 until 1966 before later becoming a maths/physics and IT teacher at a girl’s grammar school for more than two decades, from 1975-1997.

Her son Stephen said: “She was a great teacher and was always there for others.

"A very popular woman, she had lots of friends and was always supportive and caring.”

As might be expected for someone with such an active mind and thirst for knowledge, Beryl enjoyed puzzles and crosswords, as well as classical music, and loved her holidays in Scotland.

Beryl is also survived by her son Richard.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, December 2, at St Martin’s Church in London Road, Worcester, at 1pm, and afterwards at Astwood Cemetery at 2pm.