A POPULAR former music teacher has died aged 89.

Mavis Baker was born in East London in 1933 but had lived in Clacton for more than 60 years.

During this time she taught many children and adults to play the piano, sing, speech and drama.

Her first experience of the Tendring area was in the summer of 1956 when she was employed as a singer with the Ray Langford band at the Cliff Pavilion in Dovercourt.

The following summer she worked as a Red Coat at Butlin’s Ocean Hotel in Saltdean on the Sussex coast.

In her early 20s, Mavis lost her mother to a tragic industrial accident, which brought her to Spiritualism, which played a significant role in her life.

Also at this time, she bought her own piano and began teaching others to play.

Mavis studied music, singing and drama at various institutions including the London College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, and Guildhall School for Music and Drama.

She met her future husband, Leslie Baker at Butlin’s.

Leslie was himself a musician, the resident band leader of a hotel and later taught music in Clacton.

In October 1960, the couple decided to move to Ellis Road in Clacton, where Mavis lived for more than 60 years.

With income as musicians being precarious, Mavis and Leslie also rented out rooms in their house, especially during the busy summer seasons in the resort.

In 1973 she started teaching again from her home and over the years they built a good reputation teaching music and drama.

In the 1980s Mavis began playing piano at Clacton’s Spiritualist Church and the death of Mavis’ husband, Leslie, in 1996 led to her moving even closer to Spiritualism.

Mavis remained teaching students until the age of 80, but she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2017, which over time lessened her ability to play.

Mavis is survived by two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held on May 16 at Weeley Crematorium.

Her family said anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.