Community left devastated as legendary ‘dancing and singing’ lollipop lady passes away

Tributes have poured in for a much-loved legendary lollipop lady who died today.

Angela Braybrook, who originally lived in Burns Road, Battersea, passed away this morning aged 72 after a three-month battle with cancer.

She was well known in the Wandsworth area as the lollipop lady for St Joseph’s Primary School in Oakhill Road, and The Roche School in Frogmore.

She was known to be there rain or shine with a smile on her face, dancing to the Capital Gold (now Gold) radio station.

Her son, Jonathan Braybrook, 36, said: “Angie wasn’t only the hub and core of our family, she was a pillar of our community and loved by everyone who ever came into contact with her. 

“Her legacy will live on through every good deed one person makes to another because that was her entire ethos and the world would be a much better place if there were more people like her in it. 

“She will be sorely missed but her life and achievements will be celebrated. She will be honoured for the amazing, selfless person she was – a mother, sister and grandmother and dear friend to all those close to her. The world has lost an icon, but gained an angel.”

On top of her dancing antics, Ms Braybrook would dress up on occasion, according to the season, donning Easter Bunny ears, a full Mother Christmas outfit complete with flashing lights, or a giant St George’s Cross hand.

A friend of Ms Braybrook’s, Serena Schellenberg, 62, who lived beside the crossing where she worked, said she was a “wonderful character in our area”.

“She made an impression to all with her infectious love of life,” said Ms Schellenberg. “The motorists would give her an approving hoot as they passed and she’d wave back. She had an excellent singing voice, and would belt out the anthems she was listening to on Capital Gold.

“She was a strong straight talking woman with a huge personality, despite her petite frame. I will miss her mischievous sense of humour and will treasure the happy times we had. 

“She was so devoted to her family, her son Jonathan, sister and brother Sue and Steve and her grandsons, Sonny, Teddie and Grayson.”

Ms Braybrook would travel up to the zebra crossing each morning and evening, where she worked until 2015 after six years of service. She later moved to the Francis Snary Lodge in Chesterton Close.

In July she was given a cancer diagnosis and was moved the Trinity Hospice in Clapham Common, where she passed away.

Maureen Poole, a neighbour and friend, said: “Angie was great fun, a local landmark and one-off and will be much missed by all her friends in the area.”

Pictured top: Angela Braybrook, a much-loved lollipop lady, who passed away this morning, wears an England flag hand for St George’s Day in 2010 (Picture: Serena Schellenberg)