June Margaret Maidens MBE

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of June Margaret Maidens MBE, who passed away peacefully at home on 23rd August 2026, aged 91 years, surrounded by the love of her family.

A much-loved Mum, Mother-in-Law, Grandma, teacher, friend and highly respected member of the Atherstone community, June leaves behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, dedication and service to others.

June was a devoted Mum to John and Jo, and a much-loved Mother-in-Law to Paula and Ash. She was a cherished Grandma to Jack, Sophie, Aaron and Ollie, and her family was at the heart of her life. She will be remembered for the love, encouragement and warmth she gave so generously to those around her.

A passionate and inspirational primary school teacher, June devoted much of her life to educating and nurturing children. Her belief in the importance of giving young people confidence, opportunity and a voice extended far beyond the classroom and through performing arts in many legendary school plays she staged.

June was also a prominent and much-loved figure within the wider Atherstone community, where her energy, enthusiasm and commitment touched the lives of generations. Her lifelong dedication to children and local drama was recognised when she was awarded an MBE from the late Queen Elizabeth II, an honour that reflected the extraordinary contribution she made to the community she loved.

Her enormous passion for theatre and performing arts led to June to write, produce, perform and direct many memorable and award-winning plays for the Atherstone Dramatic Society which she adored. One of her enduring achievements was founding the Atherstone Theatre Workshop, a local youth drama group providing opportunities for children and young people aged 7–17 to discover the joy of theatre, performance and creativity.

Through the Theatre Workshop, June encouraged countless young people to step onto a stage, develop their confidence and discover talents they may never have known they possessed. For many, it became much more than a drama group. It was a place to belong, make friends, express themselves and grow.

June’s influence will live on through the many people whose lives she enriched, both through her teaching and her tireless work in the community. Her contribution to Atherstone and its young people was immense, and the legacy she leaves behind is one of which her family, friends and community can be immensely proud.

Above all, June will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, a woman of great character, warmth and determination, and someone who gave so much of herself to others.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former pupils, members of the Theatre Workshop and Dramatic Society and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her long and remarkable life.

June’s funeral service will take place on Friday 18th September 2026 at 11:00am at Heart of England Crematorium, Nuneaton.

In keeping with June’s wishes, we kindly ask that guests avoid wearing black or grey. June loved colour and would have wanted her celebration of life to be bright and joyful, so colourful clothing is warmly encouraged.

Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to join together to celebrate June’s life at OSCA Arts Centre, 181 Owen

Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 1DG.

The family would be delighted for everyone who knew June to join them in sharing memories, stories and perhaps a few smiles in celebration of a truly extraordinary life.

Should you wish to make a donation in June’s memory, donations may be made to Cerebra and Children with Cancer UK, either online via the attached link or by using the donation box when leaving the chapel. junemaidens.muchloved.com

June gave so much of her life to others. She taught, encouraged, inspired and brought people together, always believing in the potential of children and the importance of community.

Her greatest legacy is not only the many lives she influenced, but the love, confidence and opportunities she helped create for others.

Her curtain may have closed, but her story will continue in all those she inspired.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

All enquiries to M G Evans & Sons Family Funeral Directors

01827 713240